Emma Raducanu continues to impress on the hardcourt circuit, securing a commanding victory over Peyton Stearns in straight sets at the Canadian Open in Montreal.
The opening set saw a highly authoritative performance from Raducanu, who immediately asserted her dominance on serve. She registered an impressive six aces and won 71% of points on her first serve, consistently putting pressure on her opponent. The Brit expertly capitalized on Stearns’ unforced errors and ineffective second serves, breaking early in the fourth game to establish a significant lead.
Raducanu’s momentum was undeniable as she strung together 11 consecutive points on her serve, extending her advantage to a formidable 5-2. The most contested game of the entire match unfolded on Stearns’ serve at this critical juncture, a marathon exchange totaling 20 points. Demonstrating her tenacity, Raducanu converted her sixth break point opportunity to decisively close out the first set 6-2, having converted two of seven break chances without conceding any on her own serve.
The second set presented a sterner challenge for Raducanu, as Stearns elevated her game, showing improved serving effectiveness and proactively seeking to break the Brit’s serve. In the third game, Raducanu commendably saved a crucial break point against her, resisting the initial surge. However, by the fifth game, Stearns managed to take the lead, consolidating her advantage to 4-2 without offering many opportunities on her own serve.
Displaying remarkable resilience, Raducanu refused to falter, particularly during the match’s most pivotal moments. She orchestrated a crucial break back in the eighth game, leveling the score at 4-4. In the very next game, facing three break points, she once again showcased her composure, saving each one to ultimately regain the lead in a hard-fought battle.
Under immense pressure, Stearns struggled to maintain her level, allowing Raducanu to seize control once more. The former US Open champion secured a decisive break that ultimately sealed her 6-2, 6-4 victory, ensuring her passage into the Canadian Open’s Round of 32. This pivotal win highlights Raducanu’s developing ability to close out tight matches against challenging opponents on the WTA Tour.
This latest triumph in Montreal adds to Raducanu’s impressive hardcourt swing, where she has accumulated five wins against only one loss. Just last week, she showcased her exceptional form by defeating formidable opponents Marta Kostyuk, Naomi Osaka, and Maria Sakkari—all in straight sets—before reaching the semifinals of a WTA 500 event, a career first at that level.
With this victory, Raducanu has now achieved 21 career wins in WTA 1000 tournaments, with 11 of those coming this year alone, bringing her total season victories to 23. This remarkable consistency equals her best season win count from 2024, signaling a return to her elite form. Her upcoming challenge will be against either Amanda Anisimova or Lulu Sun, both familiar faces. Raducanu has defeated Anisimova in two previous encounters this year, while she suffered a notable defeat to Sun at Wimbledon 2024.
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