She had to channel her “inner calmness” as she battled to win both tiebreaks against Navarro—the first and last set each clocked in at over an hour—and as she broke back from 6-5 down in the third set to stay in the contest.
“I really do relish a really tight situation or a tight scenario (during difficult matches),” Raducanu told Amritraj. “I think I have this inner calmness that I tap into in those situations, whereas the other times in the match maybe I can be a little more emotional. But when it gets to 5-5 or 6-6, I just find a calmness within me. And I try not to think about it, because thinking makes things worse!”
While searching for her best tennis on the court, Raducanu admitted it’s been a tough few weeks off the court after dealing with a disturbing incident involving a “fixated” fan in Dubai. The fan was swiftly escorted off court and was detained by police, but the experience left Raducanu rattled. She now travels with her own personal security and leans on her tight-knit circle for emotional support.
Read More: Emma Raducanu thanks fans after Dubai incident, as Iga Swiatek says WTA must protect players
“My goal is to just get to a place where I feel a lot more set and stable with my surroundings,” Raducanu told press in Miami. “This week I have amazing people who have known me for a very long time. I feel very secure and happy and wanting to fight for them, as well. It’s a really nice feeling.
“It has been quite emotional, and it’s taken a lot out of me, but I’m just so happy to be fighting here. All the wins here just give me extra fuel, extra energy.”
