Raducanu Begins Canadian Open Campaign with Confident Win

Emma Raducanu got her North American hard-court swing off to a promising start, beating Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-2, 6-4 in the first round of the 2025 Canadian Open in Montreal.

Fresh from reaching the semi-finals in Washington last week, the British number one continued her resurgent form, handling her Romanian opponent with poise and power.

“Elena is a good friend of mine and it’s difficult to play someone you know,” Raducanu told Sky Sports. “But I’m happy with how I put that to one side. It’s also good to back up a good week last week in DC.”

Strong Start on Hard Courts

Raducanu, 22, saved five break points in her opening service game, showing early mental toughness. She then reeled off five consecutive games to take the opening set.

The second set saw both players trade breaks, but Raducanu struck the decisive blow at 5-4 and served out the match with confidence—mirroring her win over Ruse earlier in Auckland 2024.

Road to the US Open

With the US Open (24 August – 7 September) approaching, Raducanu appears to be peaking at the right time. Her 2021 US Open title win remains her career-defining moment, and this year she looks determined to make another deep run in New York.

The British star has now won four of her last five matches on hard courts since her Wimbledon exit at the hands of Aryna Sabalenka.

Next Challenge: Stearns & Possibly Anisimova

In round two, Raducanu will face 32nd seed Peyton Stearns, an in-form American. A potential third-round clash against Amanda Anisimova, the 2025 Wimbledon finalist and fifth seed, looms.

With increasing confidence and fitness, Raducanu is firmly establishing herself as a contender again on the hard courts of North America.