Emma Raducanu is currently on track to compete in all four Grand Slam tournaments in a single year for the first time since 2022.
British number one Emma Raducanu showcased her impressive form in North America, securing a comfortable victory against Elena-Gabriela Ruse at the Canadian Open.
Following her recent semi-final appearance at the Washington Open, the 22-year-old maintained her momentum, defeating Romania’s Ruse with a score of 6-2, 6-4.
Raducanu is now set to face American Peyton Stearns, the 32nd seed, in the second round.
In contrast, fellow British player Katie Boulter experienced an early exit, losing 6-1, 7-5 to Renata Zarazua of Mexico.
Raducanu’s strong performance on the hard courts comes as she prepares for the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year and the tournament she famously won in 2021, scheduled to take place in New York from August 24 to September 7.
“Elena is a good friend of mine, and it’s always challenging to play against someone you know,” Raducanu commented on Sky Sports. “However, I’m pleased with how I managed to put that aside.”
“It’s also encouraging to build on the positive results from last week in DC.”
The British player demonstrated resilience early on, successfully defending against five break points in her opening service game.
She then concluded the first set impressively, winning five consecutive games.
Following a couple of breaks exchanged in the second set, Raducanu, who also defeated Ruse in Auckland in 2024, secured a crucial break to lead 5-4 and subsequently served for the match.
Since her defeat against Aryna Sabalenka at Wimbledon in July, Raducanu has shown a strong recovery, achieving four victories in five appearances on hard courts.
If she overcomes Stearns in Montreal, a potential third-round opponent could be American fifth seed and 2025 Wimbledon finalist Amanda Anisimova.
Boulter narrowly avoided a shutout against Zarazua, saving two set points to reach 5-1, but the Mexican player quickly wrapped up the opener upon returning to serve.
The 28-year-old offered greater resistance in the second set but was ultimately unable to gain a foothold in the match, resulting in her elimination.
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