Raducanu Wins Canadian Open Opener Advancing Second Round

British number one Emma Raducanu demonstrated strong form and physical resilience with a straight-sets victory over Elena-Gabriela Ruse at the Canadian Open, following her semi-final appearance in Washington just days earlier. Raducanu, who has improved her conditioning this season under fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura, has been able to maintain consistent performances across multiple tournaments, playing more frequently and managing her schedule strategically to prepare for the US Open, the Grand Slam she won in 2021. Despite early challenges in the match, Raducanu secured the win 6-2, 6-4 and will face American Peyton Stearns in the second round. Her improved fitness and return of serve have been key factors in her recent success, while her ranking of No. 33 puts her close to a top-32 seeding at the US Open, which would offer a more favorable draw. Raducanu has credited her coaching team, including Mark Petchey and hitting partner Alexis Canter, for supporting her steady progress this season. The win continues her momentum on hard courts and reinforces her status as a contender in the upcoming US Open.