MONTREAL — British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu faces a challenging path at the National Bank Open in Montreal after the tournament draw placed her on a potential collision course with Wimbledon runner-up Ons Jabeur. The 21-year-old, who has been working her way back to form after multiple injury setbacks, will need to navigate a tricky field to make a deep run in the WTA 1000 event.
A Tough Opening Round Against Qualifier
Raducanu, currently ranked No. 168 after a lengthy absence from the tour, will begin her Montreal campaign against a qualifier. While this may seem like a favorable matchup, the qualifying field is stacked with dangerous players, including former top-30 competitors. "You can never underestimate anyone in a WTA 1000 event," Raducanu said in a pre-tournament press conference. "Every match is a battle, and I’m just focusing on my own game."
Potential Showdown with Ons Jabeur
Should Raducanu advance past her first-round opponent, she could face third-seeded Ons Jabeur in the second round. Jabeur, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, is known for her crafty game and exceptional touch, making her a formidable opponent on any surface. The Tunisian star reached the Wimbledon final last month, proving she remains in peak form.
Raducanu and Jabeur have met only once before, with Jabeur winning in straight sets at the 2022 Cincinnati Open. However, Raducanu has since revamped her coaching team and training regimen, making this a potential revenge opportunity. "Ons is an incredible player, but I believe in my ability to compete with anyone," Raducanu remarked.
Other Dangerous Opponents in the Draw
Beyond Jabeur, Raducanu’s section of the draw includes several other high-profile players:
- Leylah Fernandez – The Canadian crowd favorite could meet Raducanu in the third round.
- Jelena Ostapenko – The 2017 French Open champion is always a threat with her aggressive style.
- Madison Keys – A powerful baseliner who reached the Wimbledon semifinals this year.
Raducanu acknowledged the difficulty of the draw but remained optimistic: "It’s a tough field, but that’s what makes these tournaments exciting. I’m here to test myself against the best."
Raducanu’s Road to Recovery
The 2021 US Open champion has faced a series of setbacks since her historic Grand Slam triumph, including wrist and ankle surgeries that sidelined her for much of 2023. Her return to competition this season has been gradual, with mixed results. However, she showed flashes of her best form at Wimbledon, pushing Elise Mertens to three sets in a hard-fought second-round match.
Her coach, Nick Cavaday, emphasized patience: "Emma’s progress has been steady. She’s building confidence with every match, and we’re not rushing anything. The goal is long-term success."
What’s at Stake in Montreal?
A strong performance in Montreal could significantly boost Raducanu’s ranking and momentum ahead of the US Open, where she will defend her title points from 2021. While she is no longer seeded, her ability to upset higher-ranked players remains a key storyline.
The tournament also serves as a crucial warm-up for the final Grand Slam of the year. "Every match here is preparation for New York," Raducanu said. "I’m taking it one step at a time."
Conclusion: A Test of Resilience
Emma Raducanu’s Montreal draw presents both challenges and opportunities. Facing a potential early clash with Ons Jabeur will test her progress, but a deep run could reignite her career trajectory. Fans will be watching closely to see if the young Brit can recapture the magic of her US Open triumph.
As she put it herself: "I’ve been through a lot, but I’m still here, still fighting. That’s what matters."