(Tennis news) Former US Open winner Bianca Andreescu overcame Emma Raducanu 6-3 3-6 6-2 at the Miami Open, with the Canadian now advancing to face seventh seed Maria Sakkari in round two. Raducanu managed to win three games at the Indian Wells before being defeated by Iga Swiatek in the Round of 16, competing in her first tournament since being eliminated from the second round of the Australian Open. Andreescu was also eliminated by Swiatek at Indian Wells and broke Raducanu in her first service game in the opening set, with Raducanu being forced to save a break point at 1-4 down and a set point at 2-5.
Andreescu managed to secure the first set but was broken by Raducanu in the eighth game of the second set and the British tennis star converted a seventh break point in a fantastic 21 minute game before levelling the match. In the deciding set, both players staved off break points and Andreecu was 0-40 down in the opening set only for the Canadian to take a 4-2 lead in two hours and 33 minutes and has now won her second game against Raducau.
Meanwhile, defending champion of the Miami Open Iga Swiatek pulled out of the tournament due to a rib injury she sustained due to heavy coughing. The Polish tennis star was due to play American Claire Liu in the last 64 after receiving a bye in the first round and will now miss the Billie Jean King Cup in April.
Swiatek wrote on social media: “In and after Doha I was struggling with a strong infection. I was allowed to play, but a strong episode of (a) tough cough led to a rib injury. We were trying to handle it and continue to play as long as it was safe for me. We were analysing the data in the last days and my doctor prepared my diagnosis.
“Unfortunately, I’m still feeling a lot of discomfort and pain and I can’t compete. I need to take a break to recover and I have to pull out of the Miami Open and Billie Jean King Cup. It’s a truly difficult call to not play… but health is the most important. I will keep you updated about where I play next, because it depends on my process of recovering and the recommendation of my medical team.
“I have the best team behind me, we only need some time to deal with the injury. I’m grateful this is the first health issue in a long time and I was able to compete in perfect shape for so long, but that’s sports, it happens sometimes, without our control. Time to accept it and get well as soon as possible.”
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