Emma Raducanu stormed into the second round of the Miami Open with a commanding 6-2, 6-1 victory over Japanese wildcard Sayaka Ishii.

This win marks the British No. 2’s first triumph since a distressing incident involving a stalker at the Dubai Open last month. It also follows a disappointing first-round exit at Indian Wells, the opening event of the ‘Sunshine Double’.

Raducanu made a strong start, winning the first two games before Ishii settled into the match, levelling at 2-2. However, the Brit responded emphatically, winning four consecutive games to take the first set 6-2.

The 2021 US Open champion maintained her dominance in the second set, extending her streak of successive games won to nine. Ishii, ranked 188th in the world, struggled with unforced errors and was unable to mount a comeback.

The Japanese player avoided a second-set whitewash by holding serve in the sixth game, but Raducanu swiftly seized her first match point to secure victory.

Raducanu Pleased with Performance Ahead of Tough Second-Round Clash

“I’m very pleased to have got through that. It’s not easy playing someone in the first round who is younger, dangerous, and in good form,” Raducanu told Sky Sports.

“I’m really proud of how I competed today. It hasn’t been easy for me coming into this, but I think I put in a really good performance.”

Raducanu now faces a challenging second-round encounter against eighth seed and home favourite Emma Navarro, who has been in strong form.

“It’s going to be an extremely tough match,” she admitted. “She’s probably in better form, so I think I can go out, try to express myself, and compete for every point.

“She’s a great person. On tour, she’s someone I warm to and enjoy saying ‘hello’ to, so it will be a double Emma when we play.”