Emma Raducanu could face Wimbledon runner-up Amanda Anisimova as early as the third round in Montreal, having been given a tricky draw ahead. The Brit, who impressed at SW19 and continued that form at the Citi Open into the semi-finals, will face world No. 56 Elena-Gabriela Ruse in her opening match.
However, Raducanu has been drawn in the same quarter as Anisimova, Jessica Pegula and compatriot Katie Boulter as she ramps up her preparation for the US Open. The 2021 champion in Flushing Meadows has tasted success against Ruse previously, but will be aware of the daunting task that may lie ahead.
Raducanu defeated Ruse at the ASB Classic after eight months out in January of last year, and will face either Peyton Stearns or a qualifier in the second round if successful again in her battle with the Romanian star.
She has beaten Stearns in both of their matches on the WTA Tour, not dropping a single set in their two encounters on the hard court last year, but then can face Anisimova in the third round who is fresh off a run to the Wimbledon final.
The American was blown away 6-0 6-0 by Iga Swiatek on the big stage, but had already gotten the better of world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in three sets during the semi-finals, who Raducanu lost to in the third round.
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Should Raducanu win her first three matches, 10th seed Elina Svitolina and Elise Mertens are the possible opponents waiting in the fourth round, while Pegula is the favourite to reach that quarter-final.
SW19 champion Swiatek and Madison Keys could lie in wait in a potential semi-final, with Coco Gauff, Jasmine Paolini, Mirra Andreeva and Raducanu’s doubles partner Elena Rybakina sit in the opposite side of the draw.
Raducanu has enjoyed a successful return to North America at the Citi Open. She has not dropped a single set en route to the semi-finals, putting Maria Sakkari, Naomi Osaka and Maria Kostyuk to the sword.
She teamed up with Rybakina in doubles to get some extra practice in Washington, with the Grand Slam champions also reaching the final four before Raducanu retired due to illness.