“I’m so happy to have come through that. I know Elena, she’s a very good friend of mine and it’s very difficult to play someone who you’re close to, so I’m really proud with how I kind of put that to one side in the match and also backed up a good week last week in Chicago,” Raducanu said during her on-court interview, before laughing and correcting herself.
“Chicago? DC! And performed well today. Yeah, just really happy and loved playing here for the first time.”
Raducanu has a good relationship with Ruse. The world No. 58 hails from Romania, and Raducanu is half Romanian.
After winning the 2021 US Open as a teenage qualifier, the Brit played a homecoming exhibition match at London’s Royal Albert Hall and picked Ruse to be her opponent. After getting her second tour-level win over her good friend, Raducanu explained how tough it was.
She added: “It’s extremely difficult. We’ve spent a lot of time together off court, practices, and she’s a great girl so it’s not nice when you have to see her name in the draw but I’m really pleased with how I performed myself.”
The world No. 33 had never played in Montreal before. The ATP and WTA Tours alternate between Montreal and Toronto each year for the Canadian Open. And Raducanu’s only tournament appearance in 2022 was in the Ontario capital.
But it was an impressive debut for Raducanu, who had another good serving day despite hitting four double faults, and imposed herself on the return.
The 22-year-old will now face No. 32 seed Peyton Stearns, who received a bye directly into round two.
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.