\n<\/p>\n
Britain’s Emma Raducanu is through to the last 16 of the Miami Open after opponent McCartney Kessler retired injured at the start of the second set.<\/b><\/p>\n
Raducanu had been utterly dominant and needed just 30 minutes to take the first set 6-1.<\/p>\n
An early break in the second set saw the 22-year-old race into a 3-0 lead, before American Kessler, 25, was forced to retire because of a back issue.<\/p>\n
“I could tell something was up and it is hard to stay focused when your opponent is struggling,” Raducanu said in her courtside interview. “I wish her a speedy recovery because she has been playing so well.<\/p>\n
“I am happy with my focus, it is such a big part of tennis. I haven’t been at this stage of a tournament for a while.<\/p>\n
“I returned really well and put pressure on the serve, imposing myself from the first game.”<\/p>\n
Raducanu came into the tournament with five defeats from six matches since the Australian Open and last week ended her partnership with coach Vladimir Platenik<\/a> after only two weeks.<\/p>\n “I think it’s a different approach this week,” she added. “I think five minutes before the match I was playing spike ball with the team. It helps me to relax.<\/p>\n “When I’m playing my best tennis I’m really expressing my personality. I’d say I’m a bit of a free spirit so I don’t need restrictions or being told what to do.<\/p>\n “I think when I’m being really authentic, that’s when I’m playing my best.”<\/p>\n Raducanu will play Amanda Anisimova in the next round after the American defeated Mirra Andreeva 7-6 (7-5) 2-6 6-3.<\/p>\n The 17-year-old Russian has risen to sixth in the world after winning the previous two WTA 1,000 events at Indian Wells<\/a> and Dubai.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n