In a display of grit and precision, Emma Raducanu has stormed into the second round of the 2025 Canadian Open in Montreal, setting the stage for an electrifying clash against American star Peyton Stearns. The British No. 1, fresh off a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory over her close friend Elena-Gabriela Ruse, is riding a wave of momentum from her recent semi-final run at the Citi Open in Washington, D.C. Raducanu’s performance on Monday showcased her growing confidence on hard courts as she prepares for the upcoming US Open, where she famously clinched the title in 2021 as a qualifier. Her next challenge, however, promises to test her resolve against a familiar foe in a match anticipated to be a highlight of the WTA 1000 event.
Raducanu’s journey in Montreal began with a hard-fought battle against Ruse, a Romanian ranked No. 58 in the world. Despite their off-court friendship, Raducanu remained laser-focused, navigating early pressure by saving five break points in a crucial third game. She broke Ruse’s serve twice in the first set to secure a convincing lead and, after a competitive second set where both players exchanged breaks, sealed the match with a decisive break at 4-4. “I’m so happy to have come through that,” Raducanu said post-match. “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, so I’m really proud of how I put that to one side for the match.” Her ability to compartmentalize personal connections and perform under pressure underscores the mental toughness she’s developed since her breakout Grand Slam victory.
Now, Raducanu turns her attention to Peyton Stearns, the No. 32 seed, who earned a first-round bye in Montreal. Stearns, a 23-year-old from Cincinnati, Ohio, has made strides on the WTA Tour since turning professional in 2021. A former NCAA singles champion at the University of Texas, Stearns has shown versatility across surfaces, though she cites hard courts as her favorite. Her career highlights include a last-16 finish at the 2023 US Open and a WTA 250 title at the 2024 Morocco Open on clay. Despite a recent dip in form—losing five of her last six matches, including a 6-3, 6-4 defeat to 45-year-old Venus Williams at the Citi Open—Stearns remains a formidable opponent. Her consistency and tactical shot selection make her a dangerous player, particularly on the hard courts of Montreal, where she reached the quarter-finals of a WTA 1000 event in 2023.
The head-to-head record favors Raducanu, who holds a 2-0 advantage over Stearns, both victories coming in 2024 on hard courts. Their most recent encounter at the Korea Open in Seoul was a grueling two-hour, 43-minute battle, with Raducanu prevailing 7-6(4), 7-6(5). Reflecting on that match, Raducanu noted, “I don’t think either of us were playing particularly great tennis. It was more of a dogfight. The conditions were very humid so it was a tough two sets.” Their earlier meeting at the Citi Open saw Raducanu dominate 7-6(6), 6-2, showcasing her aggressive baseline game and high-velocity serve, which peaks at around 110 mph. With an 11-7 record on outdoor hard courts in 2025 and a near-47% break point conversion rate, Raducanu’s attacking style is well-suited to exploit Stearns’ recent struggles.
The second-round match, scheduled for Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at approximately 11:00 AM ET, is expected to be a high-intensity affair. Raducanu’s improved physical conditioning, honed under the guidance of fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura, has allowed her to compete in her 16th tournament of the year—a stark contrast to the injury-plagued 2024 season. Stearns, ranked No. 37, will look to leverage her 65% break point save rate to frustrate Raducanu’s rhythm. However, predictive models give Raducanu a 70-74% chance of victory, citing her superior baseline aggression and serving prowess. Should she advance, a potential third-round matchup against fifth seed and 2025 Wimbledon finalist Amanda Anisimova awaits, adding further intrigue to her Canadian Open campaign.
As Raducanu prepares to face Stearns, her focus remains on building momentum toward the US Open, set to begin on August 24. “It’s extremely difficult [playing someone you know],” she admitted, referencing her match against Ruse. “But I’m really pleased with how I performed.” With her ranking climbing to No. 39 after the Montreal win, Raducanu is inching closer to a potential US Open seeding, a goal that could solidify her resurgence. For Stearns, this match offers a chance to upset the British star and regain her footing after a challenging stretch. Tennis fans are in for a treat as these two young talents collide in a battle of skill, strategy, and determination at the National Bank Open.
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