Emma Raducanu Starts Strong at Canadian Open with Confident Win Over Ruse
Emma Raducanu Starts Strong at Canadian Open with Confident Win Over Ruse
British tennis star Emma Raducanu continued her impressive form on the North American hard courts with a straight-sets victory over Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse in the opening round of the Canadian Open in Montreal.
Fresh off a semi-final appearance at the Washington Open last week, Raducanu maintained her momentum, easing past Ruse 6-2, 6-4. The 22-year-old looked composed and sharp throughout the encounter, showcasing the form that made her a Grand Slam champion back in 2021.
With the US Open — the season’s final Grand Slam — just weeks away, Raducanu appears to be peaking at the right time. The New York major, scheduled from August 24 to September 7, holds a special place in her career, as it was the stage of her historic title run as a qualifier four years ago.
Emma Raducanu Professionalism and Composure on Display
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Raducanu expressed satisfaction with her performance, especially given the emotional complexity of playing a friend on tour.
“Elena is a good friend of mine and it’s difficult to play someone you know, but I’m happy with how I put that to one side,” she said. “It’s also good to back up a good week last week in DC.”
The Briton had to dig deep early on, facing five break points in her first service game. However, she held firm and then proceeded to dominate the rest of the opening set, winning five games in a row to seal it 6-2.
In the second set, both players traded breaks, but Raducanu held her nerve when it mattered most. She broke Ruse’s serve at 4-4, giving her the chance to serve out the match — which she did without drama.
Emma Raducanu Road to Redemption After Wimbledon Setback
Raducanu’s resurgence comes on the heels of a disappointing Wimbledon campaign, where she was eliminated by world number two Aryna Sabalenka earlier in July. But since leaving the grass courts behind, she has found renewed rhythm and confidence on hard surfaces, winning four of her last five matches.
Her growing comfort on the North American courts signals a potential deep run in Montreal and, perhaps, a return to form at the US Open later this month.
Looking Ahead: Tough Tests Await
Next up for Raducanu is a second-round clash against 32nd seed Peyton Stearns of the United States. If she gets past the American, a much sterner test may await in the form of fifth seed Amanda Anisimova, a recent Wimbledon finalist and one of the rising stars of women’s tennis.
Raducanu previously defeated Ruse earlier in the 2024 season at the Auckland Classic, and her repeat performance in Montreal reflects not only consistency but also increasing belief in her game as she regains her footing on tour.
With her eyes set on another strong run in New York, Emma Raducanu’s start in Montreal is a promising sign that she may once again become a serious contender on the Grand Slam stage.
