Emma Raducanu believes a different approach to the Miami Open has resulted in her playing her best tennis after she reached the last 16 of the tournament on Sunday. 

Raducanu booked her place in the next round of the competition after beating American McCartney Kessler, who retired injured at the start of the second set. 

The Briton needed just 29 minutes to take the early advantage, producing two love service games to take the opening set 6-1 before continuing her dominance in the second. 

Raducanu notched an early break in the second set that saw her race into a 3-0 lead, before Kessler was forced to retire because of a back issue.

"I could tell something was up, and it's hard to stay focused when your opponent is struggling," she said. "I wish her a speedy recovery because she has been playing so well.

"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.

"I returned really well and put pressure on the serve, imposing myself from the first game."

Raducanu will face Amanda Anisimova for a place in the quarter-finals after the world number 17 produced an impressive display to down teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva. 

Wishing McCartney a speedy recovery @EmmaRaducanu is into the next round after Kessler is forced to retire due to injury. #MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/ZhvoOj6zR7

— wta (@WTA) March 23, 2025

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. 

"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.

"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.

"I think when I'm being really authentic, that's when I'm playing my best."