Emma Raducanu breezed past 32nd seed Peyton Stearns in a swift 95-minute match, setting the stage for an exciting showdown with Amanda Anisimova in Montreal.
The former U.S. Open champion, who struggled with the heat during her last tournament, overcame an early setback in the second set to secure a 6-2, 6-4 victory on Wednesday. Next up is fifth seed Anisimova, who is participating in her first tournament since making it to her first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon.
Raducanu, who has made a decision on her U.S. Open partnership with Carlos Alcaraz, and Anisimova share a close friendship. Raducanu, currently ranked 33rd in the world, has triumphed in both of their encounters this year.
Raducanu’s performance has been stellar in recent weeks. She gave world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka a run for her money at Wimbledon before exiting in the third round, and subsequently made it to the semifinals in Washington.
This is the 22-year-old’s debut appearance in Montreal, as the ATP and WTA 1000 events alternate between Montreal and Toronto. However, she’s off to a strong start in Quebec.
After defeating her friend Elena-Gabriela Ruse on Monday, Raducanu was back in action against formidable American opponent Stearns. She broke twice to dominate the first set and then rallied from 4-2 down to win the last four games of the match.
“I know Peyton is a really tough opponent, we’ve played two times in the past and always had really long matches. I’m really happy with how I came through in that match,” Raducanu told the crowd.
“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.”
Raducanu also shares a unique bond with Canada, the nation where she was born. Several British supporters were present in the Montreal crowd to rally behind her.
She added: “I just want to say thank you, 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 and very happy to be into the next round.”
The British No. 1 will now face Anisimova, who advanced directly to the second round after defeating Lulu Sun 6-4, 7-6(5). Despite their friendship, Raducanu and Anisimova’s personal relationship won’t soften the competitive edge when they meet on court.
Following her victory over another close friend in the opening round, the former U.S. Open champion remarked: “It’s very difficult to play someone who you’re close to.”
However, the 22-year-old has dominated their recent encounters this season. Raducanu has already defeated the world No. 7 at both the Australian Open and Miami Open, and she’ll be aiming to secure a third consecutive victory.