What’s next for Emma Raducanu?

As Emma Raducanu crashed out of Indian Wells, it was another setback for the ambitious youngster. Many thought that when she initially burst onto the scene in 2021 we would be looking at one of the best female tennis players in the world, but as we approach the third anniversary of her win in the US Open, there are lots of things to consider when reassessing her potential. Now she is back and after eight months out will want heads to turn back in her direction.

Indeed, Radacanu was just 18 years old when she shocked everyone in the Fairytale of New York to go and win the US Open in what was just her second Grand Slam, and the victory meant she became the first British woman to win a major singles title since Virginia Wade lifted the Wimbledon trophy in 1977.

Strong assessment at Indian Wells

However, the last few years have been overshadowed by a flurry of different coaches and a straight-sets defeat to number two seed Aryna Sabalenka was hardly ideal preparation for the Miami Open. Radacanu departs California in the third round with the 6-3, 7-5 defeat, but there were certainly some encouraging things to take away from losing to such a strong opponent following her return from an ankle operation.

The Brit looked a lot hungrier than in recent tournaments, where injuries have forced earlier retirements. Despite any pain barriers this time she looked to try and improve on shortcomings, with wins against Rebeka Masarova the qualifier, and then a good performance against Dayana Yastremska, the 30th seed.

Sabalenka is a different kettle of fish though and she set into a 2-5 and 15-40, the dominance was there for all to see. The intensity of serves and range of shots was too much for Radacanu, however, the Belarusian was full of respect for her opponent.

“It was a tough match, she played unbelievable tennis and I am super happy with the level today and I’m super happy to get through,” she said. “I know that [Raducanu’s] level is there, and she can play some great tennis, but on those key moments, I was focusing on myself and things that I have to do on court to be in this match, and I think it’s worked well.”

Looking at Miami

In the world of women’s tennis, Radacanu’s injury saw her drop to number 250 in the world rankings, although there is plenty to play for in a busy schedule that sees Rolland Garros and Wimbledon slowly edging onto the horizon.

As for Miami, the Brit will have her work cut out for her due to the absence and sheer amount of competition when pursuing the top prize at Laykold. The tournament begins with qualifying rounds played over three days, with the winners of the qualifying rounds advancing to the main draw.

Petra Kvitová defeated Elena Rybakina in the final in an intense 7-6 in last year’s event, but the Czech champion’s pregnancy has ruled the 33-year-old out of action, opening the competition right up.

The tournament’s diverse range of matches, busy schedule, and unpredictable outcomes provide some fun betting opportunities for tennis fans, but who are the favourites?

Who are the favourites for the Miami Open?

As the world number one, Iga Swiatek is anticipated to be the top pick on the tennis betting sites for the upcoming Miami Open due to her strong performances at the Qatar Open and Dubai Tennis Championships. Champion in 2022 and a winner and finalist in those two Middle Eastern events, the Polish top seed is still playing for Indian Wells at the time of writing and will take some serious stopping when she trades California for Florida.

One woman capable of stopping that momentum surge is Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina. The third-highest-ranked player in the world has run the four-time Grand Slam winner close before and even got the better of her in Dubai. However, illness forced her to leave Indian Wells earlier and if she doesn’t recover quickly it could significantly affect her chances in Miami.

An outside shout is Anna Blinkova, who won the San Diego Open. The Russian has shown she can deal with the warmer climate after dispatching Caroline Wozniacki and after trading former coach Gerard Solves for Ivo Klec, the 25-year-old, who was predominantly a doubles player for most her WTA career, has shown she can perform on American soil having bested No.5 Jessica Pegula in the second round at Indian Wells.

Radacanu’s run-in

The next few months certainly won’t be make or break for Raducanu, but they will go a long way in deciding if she has what it takes to go all the way this year at least. The next few competitions provide the perfect opportunity to stake some claim not just in the rankings but with the media as she pursues something of a redemption arc. As with any talented teenager, there are plenty of expectations, but the last few performances have shown the Brits’ growing maturity.

The first objective would be to breach the top 200 in the world rankings again before thinking of the bigger picture. But everyone loves an underdog story, so Rolland Garros and Wimbledon, as ambitious as they might appear, surely can’t be ruled out as a real statement of intent.