Emma Raducanu, the 22-year-old British tennis star who captivated the world with her improbable 2021 US Open triumph, faced a significant setback in her preparations for the 2025 US Open after a crushing third-round exit at the Canadian Open in Montreal. The former British No. 1, now ranked world No. 33, suffered a 6-2, 6-1 defeat to Wimbledon finalist Amanda Anisimova in a match that lasted just 64 minutes, halting her momentum on the North American hard-court swing. This loss not only ended her run at the WTA 1000 event but also jeopardled her aspirations of securing a coveted top-32 seeding at the upcoming US Open, set to begin on August 24.
Raducanu entered Montreal riding a wave of confidence after a strong semifinal appearance at the Citi Open in Washington, where she dispatched notable players like Marta Kostyuk, Naomi Osaka, and Maria Sakkari. Her Canadian Open campaign began promisingly with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse, a close friend, in the first round. “I know Elena, she’s a very good friend of mine, and it’s difficult when you have to play someone you’re close to,” Raducanu said after the match, highlighting her ability to compartmentalize personal connections for professional success. She carried this form into the second round, overcoming American Peyton Stearns 6-2, 6-4 in a match that showcased her improved serve, with a 62% first-serve percentage and six aces. “I know Peyton is a really tough opponent, we’ve played two times in the past and always had really long matches,” she noted, expressing satisfaction with her focus despite a mid-match wobble in the second set. The Toronto-born Brit, cheered on by fans waving Union Jacks, relished her return to Canada, stating, “I was actually born in Canada, so to come back it means so much to do well here.”
However, her third-round clash with Anisimova proved a stark contrast. The American, ranked world No. 7 and fresh off a Wimbledon final appearance, dominated from the outset, breaking Raducanu’s serve in the second game and maintaining relentless pressure. Anisimova’s 29 winners overwhelmed Raducanu, who managed just five winners against 22 unforced errors, holding serve only twice in the match. Despite Raducanu’s perfect 2-0 record against Anisimova earlier in 2025—at the Australian Open and Miami Open—the Brit struggled to find her rhythm. “It’s incredibly difficult whenever you play a friend,” Raducanu had said after their Australian Open encounter, acknowledging the emotional challenge of facing Anisimova, with whom she shares an off-court friendship. In Montreal, that familiarity offered no reprieve, as Anisimova’s power and precision left Raducanu reeling, narrowly avoiding a bagel in the second set.
The defeat carries significant implications for Raducanu’s US Open ambitions. Currently ranked No. 33, she was poised to climb into the top 32 to secure a seeding at Flushing Meadows, which would have ensured she avoided top players until at least the third round. However, the loss to Anisimova, coupled with the expiration of points from her 2024 Washington quarterfinal, is projected to drop her to No. 37, with a loss of 43 points bringing her total to 1,362. Her 65 ranking points earned in Montreal—10 for entering the draw, 25 for reaching the second round, and 30 for the third—offer some consolation, but the significant prize money increase at the Canadian Open (44% higher than 2024) netted her $19,705, a modest boost compared to her seeding aspirations.
Raducanu’s next stop is the Cincinnati Open, starting August 7, where she is seeded 31st due to withdrawals from players like Zheng Qinwen and Paula Badosa. With no points to defend in Cincinnati, she has a golden opportunity to bolster her ranking and potentially reclaim a US Open seeding. Her recent hard-court form—five wins in six matches across Washington and Montreal—suggests resilience, but consistency remains a challenge. Since her 2021 US Open win, injuries and coaching changes have disrupted her progress, though her partnership with Mark Petchey and fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura has shown promise. “I’m prepared to work hard and do some damage next year,” she recently told Women’s Health, signaling her determination to reclaim her place among the elite. As the US Open looms, Raducanu’s ability to regroup in Cincinnati will be crucial in determining whether she can recapture the magic of her 2021 fairy tale in New York.
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