Emma Raducanu believes she is experiencing the benefits of a more relaxed approach after spending a little time reaching the last 16 of the Miami Open.
Raducanu produced a superb performance to beat in-form McCartney Kessler 6-1, 3-0 before the American withdrew from the match with injury.
Kessler, who rose to 48th in the world rankings and beat Coco Gauff in Dubai last month, was unable to hold her serve as Britain's No. 2 dominated throughout.
Raducanu attracted media attention earlier in the tournament when, after two weeks of working with coach Vladimir Platenic, she ended her collaboration, believing that the partnership was not moving in the right direction.
It's been a tough year for the 22-year-old, who ended her previous partnership with Nick Cavaday due to the coach's health issues and then burst into tears on a Dubai court in the presence of an “obsessive” man.
Still, following her third-round performance in Miami, just days after beating Emma Navarro — her first hard-court game against a top-10 player — the 2021 US Open champion is feeling happy and relaxed.
“I think I have a different approach this week,” she shared in an on-court interview.
“I think I played spikeball with the team five minutes before the game. It helps me relax.
“When I play my best tennis, that's when I really show my personality.”
She added: “I would 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 really genuine, that's when I play my best.”
She certainly showed that on Sunday, recovering from a broken first serve to win the next eight games.
Kessler could only earn five points on her serve in a one-sided first set and things didn't improve in the second before she called for a coach after the third set and quickly ended the game.
Raducanu noted: “No athlete wants to win a match like that. I wish McCartney a speedy recovery.”
“She's in great shape right now. She's playing great. She's playing aggressively. I wish her all the best.”
Raducanu will return to action on Monday against 17th seed Amanda Anisimova. The American beat Mirra Andreeva, last week's Indian Wells winner, 7-6 2-6 6-3 in nearly three hours.
In Miami, Novak Djokovic surpassed his old rival Rafael Nadal to set a record of 411 ATP Masters 1000 titles with a 6-1 7-6 (1) victory over Camilo Ugo Carabelli.
“It's a great honour to reach another milestone and set a new record,” Djokovic told Sky Sports.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
