World No. 4 Jessica Pegula ended Emma Raducanu's impressive run to reach the Miami Open semifinals, where she will face another rising star in Alex Eala.
World no. 4 Jessica Pegula battled past a determined world no. 60 Emma Raducanu, 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-2, to book her spot in the 2025 Miami Open semifinals on Thursday, March 27.
Pegula controlled much of the opening set, using her backhand to dictate play and securing the first break for a 4-2 lead. She remained steady on serve, winning 79% of her first-serve points and converting her lone break to take the set, 6-4.
Raducanu, despite struggling with her physical condition, showed resilience in the second set. She broke Pegula early and led 5-2 but took two medical timeouts as she appeared to struggle with the humid conditions.
The 31-year-old American clawed her way back, but Raducanu forced a tiebreak and surged late to win it 7-6(3).
With Raducanu visibly struggling, Pegula took advantage in the final set, securing an early break and controlling the rallies. The young Brit showed flashes of fight but ultimately could not keep up, conceding the match at 6-2.
Pegula will now face the tournament’s biggest surprise, 19-year-old Filipina tennis star Alex Eala, who has stunned top-ranked opponents—including world No. 2 Iga Swiatek—on her way to a career-best WTA 1000 semifinal appearance.
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Pegula and Eala will face off tomorrow, March 27 at 8:30 a.m. (Manila time).