Emma Raducanu Vs Peyton Stearns, Canadian Open: Briton Overcomes ‘Lost Focus’ To Enter Third Round

Emma Raducanu battled through a testing match against American Peyton Stearns to advance to the third round of the 2025 Canadian Open. The British star, who is gradually regaining her top form on the WTA Tour, delivered a composed 6-2, 6-4 victory despite admitting she “lost focus” midway through the encounter.

Raducanu started the match in dominant fashion, showcasing her clean hitting and tactical variety to race through the opening set. Her return of serve put constant pressure on Stearns, and she capitalized on early break points to build momentum. The first set lasted just over 30 minutes as Raducanu controlled the tempo from the baseline, dictating rallies with precision.

However, the second set presented a different challenge. Stearns raised her intensity, and Raducanu experienced a brief lapse in concentration, allowing her opponent to break back after taking an early lead. The Briton later admitted in her post-match comments that she “lost focus” during that stretch but was pleased with how she managed to reset mentally and close out the match in straight sets.

This win marks another positive step in Raducanu’s hard-court campaign. After a semifinal run at the DC Open, she has been steadily gaining rhythm and confidence. With each victory, Raducanu is moving closer to a crucial return to the WTA Top 30, which would greatly benefit her seeding for upcoming Grand Slams.

The Canadian Open has often been a proving ground for rising stars, and Raducanu’s performances suggest she’s eager to stake her claim among the elite once again. Her court coverage, aggressive baseline play, and improved mental composure are all evident as she progresses through the draw.

Next up, Raducanu will face a much-anticipated third-round clash against her friend and Wimbledon finalist, Amanda Anisimova. Given their personal rapport and previous match history, it promises to be one of the marquee matches of the tournament.

For Raducanu, overcoming moments of lost focus and still securing a win shows growth in her on-court maturity. As the British No. 1 continues her Canadian Open journey, she is not only chasing ranking points but also proving that her resurgence is very real.