Emma Raducanu has progressed to the Miami Open round of 16 after eliminating United States star Kessler, who was forced to retire due to injury at the start of the second set.
Raducanu was dominant in the first set, winning 6-1. She then raced into a 3-0 lead in the second set before Kessler was forced to retire due to injury, BBC reports.
The 22-year-old told reporters in her courtside interview, “I could tell something was up, and it is hard to stay focused when your opponent is struggling. I wish her a speedy recovery because she has been playing so well.
“I am happy with my focus; it is such a big part of tennis. I haven’t been at this stage of a tournament for a while.
“I returned really well and put pressure on the serve, imposing myself from the first game.”
She added, “When I’m playing my best tennis, I’m really expressing my personality. I’d say I’m a bit of a free spirit, so I don’t need restrictions or being told what to do. I think when I’m being really authentic, that’s when I’m playing my best.”
Raducanu will play another American in the next round, Amanda Anisimova. Anisimova advanced by ending Mirra Andreeva’s 13-match winning streak with a 7-6(5), 2-6, 6-3 victory.
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