Miami Open 2023 results: Emma Raducanu loses to Bianca Andreescu

Emma Raducanu was kicked out of the Miami Open by Canada’s Bianca Andreescu after a riveting first round match that showed the enormous potential of both players.

The British number one, 20, lost to 22-year-old Andreescu, who also won the US Open as a teenager, 6-3 3-6 6-2.

A tough fight eluded Raducanu as Andreescu won the last four games.

Two other Brits – Andy Murray and Kyle Edmund – play in the first round of men’s singles later on Wednesday.

Former world no.

While their setup in Florida was more conventional, landing a first-round opponent of the caliber of former world No. 4 Andreescu was a tough draw.

The parallels between the pair are clear – primarily teenage US Open champions who have since been plagued by injuries but were also born in the same part of Canada of Romanian heritage.

And so a fascinating contest ensued between two exciting players, all of whom showcased their considerable talent in an entertaining encounter.

Raducanu, who won the New York title as a qualifier in 2021, was broken in her first service of the game when she pushed a forehand wide and Andreescu went 2-0 up in 31st place in what proved to be a critical break in the opening set.

Former Miami finalist Andreescu continued to press Raducanu’s serve while dominating on her own, maintaining her composure to seal an opener she had long controlled after the Brit fended off three more set points.

Raducanu’s unforced errors had far outweighed her winners, but she found her rhythm in set number two, looked comfortable on serve and returned with more quality.

As the Brit took a 4-3 lead and was still serving the set, her faith continued to grow.

She upped the pressure in a thrilling eighth game that lasted 21 minutes. Andreescu showed incredible resistance and resilience to salvage six break points but eventually buckled, allowing Raducanu to take the match into a decider.

Both players paused for a long time before the third set – a sign of their mental and physical exertion – and the encounter continued with the same intensity.

Raducanu was unable to break Andreescu’s 0:40 serve in the opening game and that proved crucial as the 2019 US Open winner quickly turned the previously difficult fight in her favor.

Meanwhile the defending champion for women Iga Swiatek withdrew from the tournament on the eve of their first-round match with a rib injury.

Poland’s world number one Swiatek, 21, says the injury was caused by a severe cough resulting from an infection and she will also miss her nation’s clash against Kazakhstan in the Billie Jean King Cup on 14/15. miss April.

“Unfortunately, I still feel a lot of discomfort and pain and cannot compete,” said the reigning French Open and US Open champion.

“I will keep you updated on where I play next as it depends on my recovery process and the recommendation of my medical team.

“It’s really difficult not playing in Miami and the BJK Cup, but health is the most important thing.”