Jessica Pegula. Getty Images
Jessica Pegula defeated Emma Raducanu in a tough three-set match on Wednesday night at the Miami Open, securing her spot in the women's semifinals. The fourth-seeded Pegula battled for two hours and 25 minutes to win 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-2. This will be Pegula’s third semifinal appearance at the tournament in four years. She will face Alexandra Eala, a teenage wild card from the Philippines, on Thursday.
Pegula’s Gritty Win
The match started with Pegula taking the first set. However, Raducanu, a former U.S. Open champion, fought back in the second set, showing her powerful groundstrokes. Despite struggling with the 70% humidity, she forced a tiebreaker and won it 7-3.
Raducanu needed a medical timeout after the second set due to fatigue. Medical staff checked her blood pressure and applied ice packs to her legs and neck. Despite her efforts, Pegula controlled the third set, breaking Raducanu early and eventually sealing the match with a love break.
Djokovic Match Postponed
Pegula’s match ended late at 11:23 p.m., which caused the men’s quarterfinal between Novak Djokovic and Sebastian Korda to be pushed to Thursday.
Dimitrov Survives Grueling Match
In another men’s quarterfinal, Grigor Dimitrov overcame the intense Miami humidity to defeat Francisco Cerundolo in a nearly three-hour match. The 14th seed won 6-7 (6), 6-4, 7-6 (3).
After the match, Dimitrov needed medical attention, complaining of dizziness. He remained in his chair for over 25 minutes before being led off the court by tournament doctors. Despite the conditions, Dimitrov saved a match point in the third set before forcing a tiebreaker. He will face the winner of the Djokovic-Korda match in the next round.
Shocking Upsets Shake the Tournament
Wednesday saw several upsets at the Miami Open. Alexandra Eala, ranked 140th, stunned No. 2 seed Iga Swiatek in straight sets, 6-2, 7-5, during the women’s quarterfinal. The 18-year-old is now on the verge of becoming the first major tennis star from the Philippines.
On the men’s side, No. 17 seed Arthur Fils defeated top seed Alexander Zverev in a rain-delayed match, winning 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Fils broke Zverev’s serve at 3-3 in the third set and sealed the victory with a powerful shot down the sideline.
Fils, who received treatment for back pain, fought through discomfort to win in two hours. He will face Jakub Mensik in the quarterfinals.
