MONTREAL — Emma Raducanu secured her first win at the Canadian Open since 2022, defeating close friend and fellow Brit Katie Boulter in a hard-fought three-set battle. However, the post-match moment that stole the headlines wasn’t her performance—it was an amusing mix-up during her on-court interview.
The 21-year-old US Open champion triumphed 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-3 in a match that lasted over two and a half hours, marking her first victory in Montreal. Raducanu, who has struggled with injuries and form since her historic 2021 Flushing Meadows triumph, showed flashes of her best tennis, particularly in the decisive third set. But it was her lighthearted blunder afterward that had fans laughing.
A Funny Post-Match Moment
During her on-court interview, Raducanu was asked about her strategy against Boulter, a player she knows well both on and off the court. In her response, she accidentally referred to the tournament as the "Italian Open" instead of the Canadian Open, prompting laughter from the crowd and a quick correction. "I mean, the Canadian Open—sorry, wrong tournament!" she joked, covering her face in mock embarrassment.
The moment quickly went viral on social media, with fans praising Raducanu’s relatability and humor. One Twitter user wrote, "Emma mixing up tournaments is all of us trying to remember what day it is after a long match."
A Hard-Fought Battle Against a Friend
Raducanu and Boulter, who are close friends and occasional practice partners, delivered a thrilling match filled with long rallies and dramatic momentum shifts. Key moments included:
- A tense second-set tiebreak, where Boulter fought back to level the match.
- Raducanu’s dominant third set, where she broke Boulter twice to seal the win.
- A heartfelt embrace at the net, showcasing their friendship despite the competitive battle.
Raducanu later reflected on the challenge of facing a friend: "It’s never easy playing someone you’re close to. Katie’s an amazing player, and we always push each other. I’m just happy to get through it."
A Step Forward in Her Comeback
This victory marks a significant step in Raducanu’s gradual return to form after multiple surgeries and extended breaks from the tour. Her movement and shot selection were notably sharper, and she credited her improved fitness for the win. "I’ve put in a lot of work off the court, and it’s nice to see it paying off," she said.
Her next opponent will be No. 12 seed Beatriz Haddad Maia, who defeated her in straight sets at last year’s French Open. Raducanu acknowledged the challenge ahead: "She’s a tough competitor, especially on hard courts. I’ll have to bring my best."
Fan Reactions and What’s Next
Tennis fans and analysts praised Raducanu’s resilience and humor, with many noting her growing confidence. Former British No. 1 Laura Robson commented, "Emma’s starting to look like herself again. The win and the funny moment show she’s enjoying her tennis, which is huge."
As Raducanu prepares for her second-round clash, the focus will be on whether she can build momentum. A deep run in Montreal would be a major boost ahead of the US Open, where she’ll defend a significant chunk of ranking points.
For now, though, the tennis world is smiling at her post-match gaffe. As one fan put it, "Emma’s mix-up is the most relatable thing ever—proof that even champions forget where they are sometimes!"
Raducanu’s next match is scheduled for Wednesday evening in Montreal, where she’ll look to keep the laughs—and the wins—coming.