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Emma Raducanu Indian Wells 2022

WTA Miami Open draw: Emma Raducanu given yet another chance to set up tie with idol Simona Halep


With the Miami Open draw now made, Emma Raducanu looks set to finally face childhood idol Simona Halep, whilst Naomi Osaka will likely face Angelique Kerber in the second round.

Reigning champion and World number one Ashleigh Barty will be absent after she withdrew from both ‘Sunshine Double’ events, the Indian Wells Masters and the Miami Open, as she felt her “body had not recovered” from her Australian Open victory.

Although the draw is still stacked with quality regardless as there are a number of enticing early encounters. Three-time Major titlist Angelique Kerber awaits four-time Slam winner Naomi Osaka in the second round should the Japanese star overcome Astra Sharma.

Another interesting tie sees two Americans go head to head in the opening round when Shelby Rogers takes on promising youngster Amanda Anisimova.

US Open victor Emma Raducanu has also been handed a difficult draw having been drawn in the same quarter as Aryna Sabalenka, Karolina Pliskova, Simona Halep, Elina Svitolina Daria Kasatkina and Belinda Bencic.

Thus meaning the British starlet could set up an ever-elusive tie with idol Halep as early as the third round. For this to finally happen Halep will have to beat one of Daria Saville or Greet Minnen, whilst Raducanu will have to overcome Katerina Siniakova or a qualifier.

The second quarter consists of Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber, Anett Kontaveit, Ons Jabeur, Leylah Fernandez and Alize Cornet.

Moving onto the second half of the draw, Paula Badosa, Maria Sakkari, Victoria Azarenka and Elena Rybakina form the third quarter.

Whilst newly-crowned Indian Wells champion Iga Swiatek, Garbine Muguruza, Amanda Anisimova, Jelena Ostapenko and Cori Gauff make the fourth and final quarter.

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.