Jessica Pegula edged past Emma Raducanu in a tight contest, winning 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-2 to advance to the Miami Open semifinals. The world No. 4 rallied from a break down at 2-5 in the second set, securing her 11th career WTA 1000 semifinal appearance.
The American will now face the tournament’s surprise package, Alexandra Eala, who took down Madison Keys (No. 5) and Iga Swiatek (No. 2) and will be looking for another upset.
Pegula strikes first
Both players held serve comfortably early on, with Pegula looking to dictate play through backhand exchanges. The American was the first to break, moving ahead 4-2. Both served efficiently, with Pegula landing 75% of first serves and winning 81% of them, while Raducanu had a 76% first-serve percentage, winning 64%.
Despite facing some late resistance, Pegula converted her lone break to take the set 6-4, winning an impressive 79% of points behind her serve.
Raducanu fights back, survives medical scares to force a decider
Raducanu faced an early break point but held firm in what proved to be her most challenging moments. The Brit capitalized on Pegula’s errors to claim the first break, quickly establishing a 4-1 lead while the American showed visible frustration.
At 5-2, Raducanu requested a medical timeout, appearing slightly unwell. Upon resumption, she played a marathon 20-point game, squandering four set points before Pegula held serve. The world No. 4 then broke back, forcing Raducanu to call for medical attention again at 5-4.
With both players holding serve, the set went to a tiebreak, where Pegula initially led, but Raducanu fought through her physical struggles to win seven of the last eight points, clinching the set 7-6(3).
Pegula capitalizes on Raducanu’s struggles
Raducanu required another medical timeout before the final set, visibly struggling with the humidity and finding it difficult to keep up in long rallies. Pegula seized control early, securing a crucial break in the second game to take the lead.
Although Raducanu showed great spirit in the final part of the match, holding her serve with ease, at 2-5 she succumbed to the pressure of the moment and, visibly exhausted, ended up conceding her serve. Pegula claimed victory 6-4, 6-7(#), 6-2, advancing to the Miami Open semifinals for the third time in her career.
Her next opponent will be the 19-year-old surprise Alexandra Eala, who arrives after eliminating world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in straight sets.
Match Statistics Raducanu vs. Pegula
| Raducanu | VS | Pegula |
|---|---|---|
| Service | ||
| 3 | Aces | 6 |
| 0 | Double Faults | 1 |
| 69% (64/93) | 1st Service Percentage | 78% (80/102) |
| 67% (43/64) | 1st Service Points Won | 74% (59/80) |
| 54% (15/28) | 2nd Service Points Won | 50% (11/22) |
| 56% (5/9) | Break Points Saved | 83% (5/6) |
| 73% (11/15) | Service Games | 93% (14/15) |
| Return | ||
| 26% (21/80) | 1st Return Points Won | 33% (21/64) |
| 50% (11/22) | 2nd Return Points Won | 46% (13/28) |
| - | Break Points Saved | - |
| Other | ||
| 2h 13m | Match Duration | 2h 13m |
