In a highly anticipated third-round clash at the 2025 National Bank Open in Montreal, Emma Raducanu faced a formidable challenge against Amanda Anisimova, the American fifth seed and recent Wimbledon finalist. The match, played on the hard courts of Court Central, ended in a crushing 6-2, 6-1 victory for Anisimova, leaving Raducanu’s aspirations for a deep tournament run in tatters. The British No. 1, who had been riding a wave of momentum after strong performances earlier in the season, found herself outmaneuvered by Anisimova’s relentless baseline aggression and powerful serving.
Raducanu entered the match with a perfect 2-0 head-to-head record against Anisimova, having defeated her in straight sets at both the Australian Open and Miami Open earlier in 2025. Those victories, however, were not without controversy. During their Australian Open encounter, Raducanu’s mid-match medical timeout for a lower back issue sparked accusations of gamesmanship from some of Anisimova’s fans, who labeled her actions as “cheating” on social media. Despite the criticism, Raducanu backed up her performance with a commanding 6-1, 6-3 win in Miami, showcasing her ability to counter Anisimova’s power with speed and tactical precision. Heading into Montreal, Raducanu expressed mixed feelings about facing her friend off the court, describing their previous encounters as “incredibly difficult” due to their personal rapport.
The Canadian Open matchup, however, told a different story. Anisimova, ranked world No. 7 and fresh off a stellar season that included a Wimbledon final appearance and a WTA 1000 title in Doha, was in scintillating form. From the outset, she dictated play with her aggressive baseline game, hammering 29 winners to Raducanu’s mere five. The American broke Raducanu’s serve in the second game of the first set, overcoming a 40-15 deficit, and although Raducanu managed an immediate break back, she struggled to find her rhythm thereafter. Anisimova’s powerful serve and relentless groundstrokes overwhelmed the Brit, who held serve only once across both sets in a match that lasted just over an hour.
Raducanu, ranked No. 33 and buoyed by a recent semifinal appearance at the Citi Open in Washington, had shown signs of resurgence. Her victories over Elena-Gabriela Ruse and Peyton Stearns in the earlier rounds of the Canadian Open, coupled with wins against top players like Naomi Osaka and Maria Sakkari in Washington, had restored her status as Britain’s No. 1 and raised hopes of a strong US Open campaign. However, Anisimova’s dominance exposed Raducanu’s vulnerabilities, particularly her serve reliability. With a first-serve points won percentage of 64% and a hold rate of just 65%, Raducanu struggled to counter Anisimova’s 62% first-serve points won and near-60% break points saved.
Anisimova’s performance was a testament to her remarkable 2025 season. Since returning to the tour in 2024 after a mental health break, she has climbed from No. 41 to a career-high No. 7, with standout victories over Aryna Sabalenka and Jelena Ostapenko. Her ability to win the first set in seven of her last eight matches underscored her knack for seizing early momentum, a trend that proved decisive against Raducanu. “I’m really happy with how I came through in that match,” Anisimova might have echoed, reflecting on her commanding performance, though her focus remained on the bigger picture as she aims for her first Grand Slam title.
For Raducanu, the defeat was a stark reminder of the challenges of maintaining consistency against top-tier opponents. Her 12-8 hard-court record in 2025, while improved, pales in comparison to Anisimova’s 32-14 overall record. The Brit’s game, which blends powerful shots with defensive depth, faltered under pressure, as she committed 22 unforced errors compared to Anisimova’s 25. Despite her disappointment, Raducanu’s recent form suggests she remains a contender, particularly as she prepares for the Cincinnati Open and the US Open, where she won her sole Grand Slam title in 2021.
As the dust settles on this one-sided encounter, Anisimova’s victory solidifies her status as a formidable force on the WTA Tour. With 14 wins in her last 17 matches since the grass-court season began, she continues to build momentum. For Raducanu, the loss is a setback but not a defining moment. As she reflected after her Miami win over Anisimova, “It’s incredibly difficult playing someone you know so well off the court.” The challenge now is to regroup, refine her game, and channel her resilience as she heads toward Flushing Meadows, where her 2021 triumph remains a beacon of her potential.
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