Amanda Anisimova delivered a commanding performance to defeat Emma Raducanu 6-2, 6-1 in the third round of the 2025 National Bank Open in Montreal on August 1, 2025, snapping a 0-2 head-to-head record against the British No. 1. The 64-minute match showcased Anisimova’s powerful baseline game, as she fired 31 winners and won 81% of first-serve points and 63% on second serve, while Raducanu struggled with a 29% second-serve win rate, per tennishead.net. Post-match, Anisimova shared a heartfelt message about Raducanu, emphasizing their friendship and mutual respect. “Emma’s a tough competitor, and it’s always a battle playing her. She’s such a great person off the court, and I really enjoy our time together. We push each other to be better,” she said, as reported by EssentiallySports.
Anisimova, ranked world No. 7, arrived in Montreal on the heels of a stellar 2025, highlighted by her first WTA 1000 title in Doha and a Wimbledon final appearance, where she fell to Iga Świątek 6-0, 6-0. Despite that crushing defeat, which she called “tough to digest,” Anisimova bounced back, defeating Lulu Sun 6-4, 7-6(5) in Montreal’s second round. Her win over Raducanu, whom she described as a friend connected through mutual acquaintance Priscilla Hon, marked her eighth victory in nine matches, solidifying her as a US Open contender. “This win means a lot after Wimbledon. Emma’s playing so well, so I had to bring my best,” she added.
Raducanu, ranked No. 33 and Toronto-born, entered the match with momentum from a Citi Open semifinal run and straight-set wins over Elena-Gabriela Ruse and Peyton Stearns in Montreal. Despite her 2-0 head-to-head lead over Anisimova (6-3, 7-5 at the 2025 Australian Open; 6-1, 6-3 at the Miami Open), Raducanu couldn’t counter Anisimova’s relentless pressure. Her serve faltered, and she managed only 10 winners against 22 unforced errors, per Pro Football Network. Post-match, Raducanu acknowledged Anisimova’s form, saying, “She was too good today. I’ll regroup and keep working.”
The match stirred controversy due to a prior incident at the Australian Open, where some Anisimova fans accused Raducanu of faking a medical timeout for a back issue, labeling her a “cheater” on X after she rallied from 3-0 down. Anisimova dismissed such claims, focusing on their positive relationship. Nick Kyrgios, her 2020 Australian Open mixed doubles partner, celebrated her Montreal win with a fire emoji on Instagram, hyping her clash with Elina Svitolina in the round of 16. X posts, like @TheTennisLetter’s, praised Anisimova’s “stunning tennis,” noting her red-hot form. As both players eye the US Open, Anisimova’s victory and gracious words underscore a rivalry rooted in respect.
