In a dazzling display of skill and resilience, Emma Raducanu has stormed into the third round of the 2025 Canadian Open in Montreal, continuing her impressive hard-court campaign. The 22-year-old British No. 1 secured a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory over American 32nd seed Peyton Stearns on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at IGA Stadium. This triumph follows her first-round win against close friend Elena-Gabriela Ruse, marking a strong start to the North American swing as she prepares for the US Open, set to begin on August 24, 2025.
Raducanu’s journey in Montreal has been nothing short of captivating. Fresh off a semifinal appearance at the Citi DC Open in Washington, where she defeated notable players like Marta Kostyuk, Naomi Osaka, and Maria Sakkari, Raducanu has carried her momentum into Canada. Against Stearns, she showcased her dominance from the baseline, breaking her opponent twice in the first set and dropping only four points on serve. The second set proved more challenging, with Stearns taking a 4-2 lead after finding her rhythm on the forehand. However, Raducanu’s composure under pressure shone through as she reeled off the final four games to seal the match in straight sets. “I know Peyton is a really tough opponent, we’ve played two times in the past and always had really long matches,” Raducanu said post-match. “I’m really happy with how I came through in that match. I kind of lost my focus at some moments in the second set and she took advantage, but very happy that I came through against a top opponent and happy to extend my stay in Montreal.”
Born in Toronto, Raducanu’s return to Canada holds special significance. “I just want to say thank you [to the fans], I saw the Union Jack in clutch moments and I was actually born in Canada, so to come back and to me it means so much to do well here,” she shared, acknowledging the crowd’s support. Her connection to the country, coupled with her fluent Romanian and Mandarin, adds a unique layer to her story, resonating with fans worldwide. Raducanu’s performance in Montreal is a testament to her growing physical resilience, a focus since she began working with fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura, previously associated with tennis stars Maria Sharapova and Naomi Osaka. This year, she has already played 16 tournaments, matching her total from 2024, a significant step forward for a player who has faced injury setbacks in the past.
The victory over Stearns, ranked world No. 37, bolsters Raducanu’s bid to crack the top 32 in the WTA rankings, a position that would secure her a seeded spot at the upcoming US Open. Starting the week at No. 33, she briefly dropped to No. 42 in the live rankings after losing points from last year’s Citi DC Open quarterfinal. However, her wins in Montreal have lifted her to No. 37, surpassing both Olga Danilovic and Stearns. With no points to defend from last year’s Canadian Open or Cincinnati Open, Raducanu has a golden opportunity to climb higher before the New York major. A potential third-round clash with American fifth seed and 2025 Wimbledon finalist Amanda Anisimova looms, promising another test of her mettle.
Raducanu’s resurgence is particularly notable given her challenging start to 2025. A back injury forced her to withdraw from the Auckland Open, but she bounced back with a third-round appearance at the Australian Open, defeating Ekaterina Alexandrova and Amanda Anisimova before falling to Iga Swiatek. Her season has seen ups and downs, with first-round exits in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar, but she regained form with a quarterfinal run in Miami and a strong showing on grass at Wimbledon. Her recent performances, including five straight-set wins in her last six matches, signal a return to the form that saw her claim the 2021 US Open title as a qualifier.
Off the court, Raducanu’s focus remains sharp. Her coaching situation, with Mark Petchey back in her box after a brief hiatus, has provided stability. Petchey, balancing his broadcasting commitments, has been a guiding presence since their partnership began in Miami, yielding consistent results. Raducanu’s ability to navigate personal challenges, including unsettling incidents with overzealous fans earlier this year, further highlights her mental fortitude. As she continues her Canadian Open campaign, all eyes are on the former world No. 10 to see how far she can go. With her sights set on a top seeding at Flushing Meadows, Raducanu’s journey is one of determination, talent, and a relentless pursuit of greatness.
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