Emma Raducanu vs Jessica Pegula LIVE: Miami Open result and reaction from three-set thriller
Pegula triumphed 6-4 6-7 6-2 to reach the semi-finals after Raducanu called a medical timeout late in the second set
Emma Raducanu fell to a brave defeat to world number four Jessica Pegula as her best tournament run in three years came to an end in the Miami Open quarter-finals, with the American winning 6-4 6-7 6-2 in a high-level contest.
Pegula was assured from the start and converted the only break of serve to win the first set 6-4. But Raducanu raised her level and took a more aggressive approach at the start of the second, jumping into an early lead and having four set points at 5-2.
Raducanu could not take them and then called a medical timeout as she struggled with dizziness. The 22-year-old had her blood pressure taken but, although Pegula broke back to force the tiebreak, Raducanu recovered to win the decider 7-3.
The momentum looked to be back on Raducanu’s side but Pegula remained steady and found the opening break in the final set. From there, the US Open finalist moved through the gears and broke Raducanu for a second time to win the match.
Follow all the reaction with our live blog below:
Emma Raducanu gives update after feeling ‘faint and dizzy’ in defeat to Jessica Pegula
Emma Raducanu has revealed that she felt “faint and dizzy” during her defeat to Jessica Pegula in the quarter-finals of the Miami Open.
An impressive run from Raducanu in Florida was halted by the fourth seed as Pegula emerged in three sets to reach the last four of the WTA event.
A hard-fought contest saw the 22-year-old British player battle back to level the match despite taking a medical timeout in the second set.
Raducanu had surged to a 5-2 advantage as she fought back after losing the first but let four set points slip, and had to have her blood pressure and pulse checked by medics after calling for a medical timeout before eventually prevailing in a tie-break. Pegula was then able to progress with a 6-2 margin in the final set.
Emma Raducanu gives update after feeling ‘faint and dizzy’ in defeat to Pegula
Raducanu's run in Miami
Despite defeat to Jessica Pegula, Raducanu has enjoyed a brilliant run in Miami - in fact, her best since her run to the US Open title as a qualifier in 2021.
Round 1: 6-2, 6-1 win over Sayaka Ishii (wildcard)
Round 2: 7-6(6), 2-6, 7-6(3) over Emma Navarro (8th seed)
Round 3: 6-1, 3-0 win over McCartney Kessler (retired)
Last-16: 6-1, 6-3 win over Amanda Anisimova (17th seed)
Quarter-finals: 4-6 7-6 2-6 defeat to Jessica Pegula (fourth seed)
Raducanu set for huge rankings boost after Miami Open run
Emma Raducanu will return to the world’s top 50 as a result of her results in Miami.
Having reached the quarter-finals, Raducanu is set to rise 12 places to 48 in the rankings.
If she had beaten fourth seed Jessica Pegula, Raducanu would have reclaimed her status of British No 1 from Katie Boulter.
It’s going to a close battle between the Brits as we turn to the clay season. The race to be No 1 for Wimbledon is on.
Can Pegula get into a first Miami Open final?
Jessica Pegula lives in Florida and is now hoping to reach her first Miami Open final after twice falling at the semi-final hurdle.
“I love playing here. I always play really well here, I really do. It’s my third semi-final, so I’m hoping third time is the charm. I want to make it to that final so bad so I’m going to give it another shot tomorrow night.”
Match stats
Jessica Pegula 6-4 6-7 6-2 Emma Raducanu
Strong levels and performances from both players. Pegula just a bit better in the key moments and led the way with 48 winners.
Aces: 6-2
Double faults: 1-0
First serve: 78% - 70%
Winners: 48-30
Unforced errors: 27-18
Break points won: 4/9 - 1/6
Total points: 105 - 90
Raducanu struggles with Miami humidity
Raducanu was the dominant player in the second set, before she appeared to struggle physically with Miami's high humidity that reached 70%.
Grimacing through points and showing signs of overheating, Raducanu had five set points on Pegula's serve but couldn't convert.
Pegula then held to close to 5-4. At that point, medical personnel took Raducanu’s blood pressure and pulse rate.
Medical officials also rubbed ice bags on Raducanu's legs and put cold towels around her neck.
Thoughts from Jessica Pegula
Pegula roared as she converted her first match point. It really felt she was in a battle tonight as she claims the win in two hours and 25 minutes.
“It was tough. I played a good first set, a little less in the second but got it back. I was up 2-0 [in the tiebreak] but then it flipped. She started moving the ball really well, serving good. It happens.
“I wanted to come out in the third really strong, really quick, and kind of jump on her. I didn’t want to make that third set too close.”
Encouragement for Emma Raducanu
Raducanu can keep her head high despite defeat after enjoying her best run at a tournament since winning the US Open as a teeanger.
She’s won four matches in a row for the first time since that grand slam triumph in 2021 and more than matched Pegula in this quarter-final. Her level in the second set looked very good indeed and there were times Pegula was being hit off the court.
Pegula just had a bit too much experience and fitness to get over the line. But there is so much for Raducanu to take from her Miami run.
Jessica Pegula marches on in Miami Open
A great match and Pegula will know she was in a real battle against Raducanu today. But the American ultimately showed her class and a third Miami Open semi-final in four years is testament to her consistency at this level.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Emma Raducanu 4-6 7-6 2-6 Jessica Pegula
Pegula is clicking through the gears as she nears closer to the finish line. She lands a lovely disguised drop shot over the net to leave Raducanu stranded and move to 0-30.
Stunning crosscourt winner from Pegula! What an angle! It brings up match point.
RADUCANU GOES WIDE! Pegula wins, what a battle.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
1Comments