In the vibrant tennis scene of Montreal, the 2025 Canadian Open is setting the stage for a compelling third-round showdown between British No. 1 Emma Raducanu and American star Amanda Anisimova. This match, scheduled for the early hours of Saturday, August 2, 2025, promises not only a display of athletic prowess but also an emotional narrative, as the two players share a friendship that complicates their on-court rivalry. Raducanu’s reflections after their last encounter at the 2025 Australian Open, where she described playing a friend as “incredibly difficult,” hint at the psychological hurdles she may face in this upcoming battle.
Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has been on a resurgence this season, climbing back to world No. 33 after a semi-final run at the Citi Open in Washington. Her performance in Montreal has been nothing short of impressive, with straight-set victories over Elena-Gabriela Ruse and 32nd seed Peyton Stearns. Against Stearns, Raducanu showcased her growing confidence, dominating early rallies and converting crucial break points to secure a 6-2, 6-4 win. Her ability to rebound from a 4-2 deficit in the second set underscored her mental fortitude, a quality she’ll need against Anisimova. “I know Peyton is a really tough opponent, we’ve played two times in the past and always had really long matches,” Raducanu said after the match. “I’m really happy with how I came through in that match.”
Anisimova, ranked world No. 7 and fresh off a Wimbledon final appearance, brings her own momentum to the court. After a first-round bye, she edged out New Zealand’s Lulu Sun in a tight 6-4, 7-6(5) match, signaling her readiness to compete on the hard courts of Montreal. Anisimova’s 2025 season has been remarkable, with a WTA 1000 title in Doha and a runner-up finish at the HSBC Championships. Her aggressive baseline game and powerful serve—winning 62% of first-serve points—make her a formidable opponent. However, her high-risk style can lead to errors, an aspect Raducanu may exploit with her precise ball-striking and exceptional court coverage.
The head-to-head record favors Raducanu, who has defeated Anisimova twice this year. Their first meeting at the Australian Open saw Raducanu overcome early breaks in both sets to win 6-3, 7-5, despite needing two medical timeouts for a back issue. The second encounter at the Miami Open was more decisive, with Raducanu dominating 6-1, 6-3 in just over an hour. “Playing Amanda is never easy, she’s had some amazing wins, top 20 and won a Masters this year,” Raducanu noted after the Miami match, expressing concern for Anisimova’s wrist, which required treatment. “I hope her wrist, or something, is okay.” These comments reflect the camaraderie between the two, who have spent time together off the court through mutual friend Priscilla Hon.
Despite their friendship, Raducanu has admitted that facing Anisimova adds “another dimension to the match, and not necessarily a pleasant one.” This emotional complexity could pose a challenge as she aims to maintain her focus against a friend who is also a fierce competitor. Anisimova, meanwhile, is motivated to secure her first victory over Raducanu, especially after a disappointing Wimbledon final loss to Iga Swiatek. Her recent form suggests she’s peaking, but Raducanu’s 2-0 lead in their rivalry gives her a psychological edge.
The Montreal crowd, energized by the prospect of this high-stakes match, will witness a clash of styles: Anisimova’s first-strike tennis against Raducanu’s defensive resilience and counterattacking flair. Raducanu’s improved serve and ability to absorb pace could neutralize Anisimova’s aggression, but she’ll need to stay locked in to avoid the lapses that have occasionally plagued her. As Raducanu herself said, “It’s almost tougher to stay so ‘on’ the whole time,” especially when Anisimova can suddenly “blast the lines and winners.” With both players in strong form, this third-round encounter promises to be a thrilling chapter in their evolving rivalry, testing not only their skills but also their ability to separate friendship from competition.
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