Friday victories: Pegula, Keys, and Paul headline American success in Miami Open

Saturday, 22 March 2025 at 10:07

Friday brought good news for the Americans at the Miami Open, with victories for Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys, and Tommy Paul, among others. A total of 12 Americans took to the court between the men’s and women’s draws, with 7 wins and 5 losses, although a couple of defeats came in all-American duels.

There were also a few surprises, including World No. 10 Emma Navarro’s loss to Emma Raducanu and 32nd seed Alex Michelsen’s defeat to a lucky loser.

Keys and Pegula dominate as top Americans advance in WTA draw

It was the debut day for two local favourites. After Coco Gauff (No. 3) won the day before, Australian Open champion Madison Keys (No. 4) and 2024 US Open runner-up Jessica Pegula secured commanding victories. The three local top-5 players began their campaigns on the right foot.

Keys was the first to take the court on Friday, overcoming Armenia’s Elina Avanesian 6-3, 6-3. Keys seemed to regain her form after a painful loss to Sabalenka (0-6, 1-6) at Indian Wells a week ago. Next, she’ll face Filipino wildcard Alexandra Eala, who upset Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets.

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Later, Pegula took to the centre court and defeated her compatriot and qualifier Bernarda Pera in a tighter match than expected, 6-4, 6-4. The World No. 4 was more composed at key moments, converting 2/3 break points and saving the only break point she faced. She’ll meet Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya (32nd seed) in the third round.

Another name to watch is Amanda Anisimova, who claimed her first WTA 1000 title a few weeks ago at the Dubai Open. The 23-year-old entered as the 17th seed and cruised past Egypt’s Mayar Sherif 6-2, 6-2. Her next challenge is none other than Mirra Andreeva, who is riding a 13-match winning streak — a high-stakes clash between the only two players to have won WTA 1000 titles this season.

The day’s biggest surprise came from Emma Navarro (No. 10), who fell in a rollercoaster match to Emma Raducanu. Both players had chances to clinch the third set, but the 2021 US Open champion eventually sealed the win — only her third career victory over a top-10 player. Raducanu will face another American in the Round of 32: McCartney Kessler (No. 40), who pulled off an upset against young Czech Linda Noskova (30th) 2-6, 7-5, 7-6.

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Another local loss came from Peyton Stearns, who is struggling to find consistency on tour. After easily beating Katie Boulter in her opener, she couldn’t do much against the experienced Elise Mertens, falling 4-6, 1-6. Stearns has shown flashes of great tennis in recent seasons but has struggled with consistency. Just a month ago, she scored wins over Zheng Qinwen and Ons Jabeur, yet she’s managed only one victory in her last five matches.

Paul and Korda lead the way on men's side

Five American men took the court on Friday, with a mostly positive outcome. An all-American duel unfolded between Sebastian Korda (24th) and local wildcard Eliot Spizzirri, who had defeated Billy Harris in the first round. Korda comfortably claimed victory 6-4, 6-2 and will face 11th seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Round of 32.

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World No. 13 Tommy Paul imposed his status as favourite against the unpredictable Alexander Bublik, who is always capable of pulling off a surprise. Still, it was a hard-fought battle for Paul, who needed three sets to secure the win 7-5, 5-7, 6-4. His next opponent is Francisco Cerúndolo (23rd), who reached the Indian Wells quarterfinals and has picked up key wins in recent weeks, including against Alex de Minaur and Alexander Zverev.

The ever-steady Brandon Nakashima (31st) has maintained consistency over the past season, albeit away from the spotlight compared to some of his compatriots. The former Next Gen ATP Finals champion overcame Spain’s Roberto Carballés Baena 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 and will now face David Goffin. It could be a good opportunity for the American, considering the Belgian is coming off a stunning win over Carlos Alcaraz, opening up an intriguing section of the draw.

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The disappointment of the day came from Alex Michelsen, who suffered a shock defeat to lucky loser Camilo Ugo Carabelli. The Argentine, a clay-court specialist, is making his Masters 1000 debut and has already knocked out two Americans: Brandon Holt and now Michelsen (32nd seed). Ugo Carabelli was clutch in the critical moments, converting three break points out of three chances, while Michelsen failed to capitalise on his opportunities, going 1/5 on break points.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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