Following constant setbacks in Australia, the entire Middle East swing, and then in Indian Wells, the 2021 US Open winner is back to winning ways. In Florida, she’s made it to her maiden WTA 1000 quarterfinal round. Despite her off court struggles, having no main coach as of now, the Brit has managed to shine on the court. However, her journey is far from over as she’s set to face World No.4 Jessica Pegula in a tough encounter on Wednesday.
Emma Raducanu vs Jessica Pegula: Preview
Emma Raducanu’s overall season in 2025 has been nothing less than a nightmare. After a disappointing run down under, the Brit was ousted in the first round matches in back-to-back WTA events. At the Singapore Open, Abu Dhabi Open, Qatar Open, and Dubai Tennis Championships, she was ousted in R32, R32, R64, and R32. A few weeks ago, her Indian Wells campaign resulted in a similar fate. Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima eliminated her in R128 with a score line of 6-3, 6-2.
However, Raducanu has shown tremendous improvement in the Miami Open. She began her campaign with a straight-set win over Japan’s Sayaka Ishii in R128. Later, she went on to clear her battles against an all-American lineup in back-to-back encounters. In R64, she ousted top 10 WTA pro Emma Navarro before getting a direct entry in R16 due to McCartney Kessler’s walkover in R32. In the fourth round on Monday, Raducanu beat Amanda Anisimova with a score line of 6-3, 6-2 to enter the last eight.
Speaking of her fourth straight American opponent in Miami, Jessica Pegula has been impressive in 2025. She started her journey with a great run in the Adelaide International back in January. Sadly, she couldn’t lift the trophy as compatriot Madison Keys defeated her with a score line of 6-3, 4-6, 6-1. Down under, Pegula couldn’t go beyond the third round. But she came back strongly and made it to the QF round in her next event in Doha. In Dubai, she faced a R16 exit before returning in a dominating manner.
At the ATX Open earlier this month, Pegula won her seventh singles WTA title. In the final, she beat compatriot Kessler with a score line of 7-5, 6-2. When it comes to her last event in Indian Wells, she couldn’t go past R16. Ahead of her battle against Raducanu, Pegula’s coming off her fourth round victory over Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk with a score line of 6-2, 6-3.
Raducanu v Pegula: Head-to-Head
Both players have faced each other twice. Currently, the h2h tally is tied at 1-1. Last time when Raducanu met Pegula, it was in 2024. During the R16, the Brit emerged victorious over the American.
2024 Eastbourne International R16: Raducanu (4-6, 7-6, 7-5)
2022 Cincinatti Masters R16: Pegula (7-5, 6-4)
Prediction: Jessica Pegula to win in straight sets
Jessica Pegula is having a clear edge over Emma Raducanu. Thanks to an impressive singles record in the 2025 season. While the American has won 15 of her 20 matches, the World No.60 has struggled at 3-6.
Speaking of tournament history, Pegula managed to reach her fourth straight QF here. She’s made it to the last four as well on previous occasions. In 2022 and 2023, she reached the SF stage, while last season saw her crashing out of the last eight following a defeat against Ekaterina Alexandrova. On the other hand, Raducanu’s ongoing campaign is her best yet in Florida. In her last two appearances (2022 and 2023), she was ousted in the R64 and R128, respectively.
But what about their playing styles? Well, Pegula can deliver an all-round performance on the court. She’s able to adjust easily between baseline and near-court game. Combine that with her ability to hit solid and accurate groundstrokes. Not to mention her backhand and a tactical side which is well-known among her rivals.
Raducanu, on the other hand, has a solid backhand alongside an effective serve. She can also cover the court in an aggressive manner. With her backhand, she can take the ball early to hit it down the line.
Looking at the overall form, however, the American might have the last laugh over Raducanu on Wednesday. The prediction is for Jessica Pegula to win the match in straight sets.
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