Andreescu on Raducanu: “If she continues playing like this, she can definitely get back into the top 10”

Bianca Andreescu and Emma Raducanu have lots in common: they both won the US Open title on their main drew debut (Andreescu in 2019, Raducanu in 2021), both climbed to the top 10 of the WTA rankings (Andreescu to No 4 and Raducanu to No 10), and both have Romanian roots and were born in Toronto, Canada.

This year they can add the fact that they are both unseeded at the Miami Open as they climb back up the rankings after a long run with injuries to their similarities… And they both have a common goal: return to the top of the sport and win more majors.

Andreescu, who battled past Raducanu on Wednesday in Miami, 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, had high praise for Raducanu on Wednesday.

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“It’s super nice to see” Raducanu playing better

“I think she’s playing great tennis,” the Canadian said. “Honestly, it’s super nice to see that because she hasn’t been playing that much. Injuries, this and that. I can relate in a way. I mean, not at that scale, but…

“I’m really happy that she’s back at it and playing like this. If she continues playing like this, she can definitely get back into the top 10.”

Raducanu, who reached the round of 16 at Indian Wells last week before falling to world No 1 Iga Swiatek, says she is a much more confident athlete after notching her two biggest wins by ranking since the 2021 US Open at the BNP Paribas Open.

“Gives me confidence,” she said of her performance after falling to Swiatek. “I think especially because of where I was before this tournament, didn’t think I would even play, to be honest. But to have played and then won three rounds and beaten two amazing opponents, I’m very proud of myself.

“Now it’s just about consistent work to physically get to where I want to be.”

Raducanu – I think I’m going to be one of the best athletes on tour

When asked how much of her potential she had tapped at this stage of her career last week at Indian Wells, Raducanu was quick to say that she feels there is room for limitless growth.

“When I’m telling you I haven’t trained, like I haven’t trained,” the oft-injured 20-year-old explained. “Physically I feel like that’s going to be one of my biggest assets. My team has spoken about it. I think that I’m going to be one of the best athletes on the tour, and that’s going to be a big part of my game.

“I would say there is a very long way to go, but I’m definitely starting the right work now.”

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Andreescu has another Grand Slam title in her sights

The Canadian, asked if she felt she was on the verge of something big, said she doesn’t want to rush things or pile on the pressure. But her words gave insight into the self-belief she is currently carrying.

“I feel like my momentum throughout my matches has been pretty consistent,” she said. “I’m not winning all the time, but I also feel like – just I’m feeling good.

“I don’t want to put any pressure on myself. Whenever it comes, it comes. But I would like to win very, very soon, if possible, another Grand Slam, another 1000 event. Hopefully it’s here.”

The 22-year-old will face Maria Sakkari in second-round action at the Miami Open. The pair have split their two previous meetings, with both of them going three sets.