As the Canadian Open unfolds under the vibrant Montreal sky, Emma Raducanu is rediscovering her spark, propelled not by a relentless pursuit of results but by a renewed love for the game. The 2021 US Open champion, now ranked world No. 33, has captivated fans with her recent surge, reaching the third round of the WTA 1000 event with a blend of grit and grace. Ahead of her Saturday, August 2, 2025, showdown with world No. 7 Amanda Anisimova, Raducanu shared the secret behind her revival: “I’m just focusing on enjoying my tennis and having fun out there, and I think that’s when I play my best.”
Raducanu’s journey to this moment has been anything but linear. After her historic Grand Slam triumph at 18, injuries and inconsistency tested her resilience. Yet, 2025 has marked a turning point. A semi-final run at the Citi Open in Washington and a confidence-building win over world No. 10 Anna Kalinskaya in Eastbourne have fueled her ascent. In Montreal, Raducanu has been electric, dispatching Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 6-4 and outclassing 32nd seed Peyton Stearns 6-2, 6-4. Against Stearns, she showcased her trademark anticipation and precision, breaking early and fending off a late comeback. “I’m really pleased with my level,” Raducanu said post-match. “I think I played really well in patches and served great, which definitely helped me today.”
Her off-court mindset has been equally transformative. Raducanu credits her recent form to a shift in perspective, prioritizing enjoyment over pressure. “I think I’ve been playing my best tennis when I’m just having fun, not thinking about the result too much,” she explained. This approach, nurtured through laughter-filled practice sessions and time spent with friends like Anisimova and mutual pal Priscilla Hon, has unshackled her game. Her infectious smile during matches, a stark contrast to past seasons’ tension, reflects a player at ease. “Having that freedom and just going for my shots has been the biggest difference,” she added, hinting at the bold, attacking style that’s reemerged.
The upcoming clash with Anisimova, however, adds a layer of complexity. The two share a friendship, making their on-court battles emotionally charged. Raducanu leads their head-to-head 2-0 in 2025, with a hard-fought 6-3, 7-5 win at the Australian Open—despite two medical timeouts for a back issue—and a commanding 6-1, 6-3 rout in Miami. “It’s always tough playing Amanda, especially because we’re friends,” Raducanu admitted. “It’s never nice, but I know when I step on court, I have to put that aside.” Her concern for Anisimova’s wrist injury in Miami—“I hope her wrist, or something, is okay”—underscored their bond, yet Raducanu’s focus remains sharp.
Anisimova, a Wimbledon finalist and Doha champion this year, is no easy foe. After a first-round bye, she battled past Lulu Sun 6-4, 7-6(5), leaning on her aggressive baseline game and 62% first-serve point win rate. Her high-risk style, capable of painting lines with winners, poses a threat, but Raducanu’s elite defense and improved serve—honed under new coach Nick Cavaday—could counter it. “She can blast the lines and winners, so it’s almost tougher to stay so ‘on’ the whole time,” Raducanu noted, aware of Anisimova’s firepower.
As Montreal buzzes with anticipation, Raducanu’s joyful approach sets her apart. Win or lose, her focus on fun has rekindled her love for tennis, captivating fans and opponents alike. “I’m just trying to enjoy every moment out there,” she said, a mantra that could carry her deep into the tournament—and beyond. This third-round encounter promises not just a test of skill but a celebration of Raducanu’s rediscovered passion, making it a must-watch chapter in her inspiring comeback.
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