Emma Raducanu has been given a warning not to get on the wrong side of Amanda Anisimova when the pair meet at the Miami Open tonight. The 23-year-old enjoyed a shock win in the third round when she beat Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva 7-6(5) 2-6, 6-3.
Andreeva had been billed as a serious contender for the tournament, having won the last two WTA 1000 events in Dubai and Indian Wells. Those victories have seen her rise to No.6 in the world rankings, becoming the youngest player to break into the top 10 since Nicole Vaidisova in 2007. However, her 13-match winning run was ended by Anisimova, with the clash overshadowed by controversy in the deciding set.
While serving at 3-1 down, the American took a medical timeout to treat a blister on the middle finger of her right hand. An irate Andreeva complained that her opponent was trying to halt the momentum to have a rest, but the umpire waved away her protests.
Andreeva had already taken her own timeout for a breathing issue in the first set, citing stomach pain. Afterwards, Anisimova took to social media to hit back at the apparent hypocrisy of the 17-year-old.
She subtly held up a middle finger for a photo on Instagram. The image not only showed the extent of her blister problem but also seemingly conveyed a clear message to her Andreeva.
The world No.17 also mocked a post-comment of her opponent, adding the caption: “‘We all know why’ at 3-1 up was a good one coming from the 1-2 first set medical.”
Indeed, in her post-match press conference, Asinimova took aim at the early disruption, saying: “I think it broke the rhythm of the match a little bit because we had just started. I was trying to pick up my rhythm after that.”
She’ll play Raducanu in the last-16 tonight (Monday). The British star has also defied expectations to get this far, having arrived in America after four defeats in five matches.