TORONTO — Emma Raducanu’s third-round clash against Amanda Anisimova at the Canadian Open was overshadowed by controversy after the British star was accused of cheating during a tense second-set tiebreak. The drama escalated when Raducanu appeared to direct a middle finger gesture toward her own box, further fueling speculation about tensions in her camp.
The Cheating Allegation
With the match finely poised at 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4 in Anisimova’s favor, Raducanu was accused of receiving illegal coaching during the second-set tiebreak. Anisimova’s team reportedly complained to the chair umpire after spotting Raducanu’s coach, Nick Cavaday, allegedly signaling tactics from the stands. While coaching violations are common in tennis, the timing—during a critical tiebreak—added fuel to the fire. "It was clear she was getting help at a crucial moment," a spectator close to Anisimova’s team claimed.
Raducanu denied any wrongdoing, telling reporters post-match, "I wasn’t looking at my box. I was focused on my game. If Amanda’s team felt that way, that’s their opinion, but I play by the rules." The umpire took no formal action, but the incident visibly rattled both players, leading to a heated exchange of breaks in the decider.
The Middle Finger Incident
Moments after the coaching accusation, cameras caught Raducanu appearing to flash her middle finger toward her support team. While the gesture was brief, social media erupted with theories—ranging from frustration over the cheating claims to internal disagreements with her coaching staff. Tennis analyst David Law noted, "Emma’s body language suggested she was unhappy with someone in her box. Whether it was about the coaching call or something else, we may never know."
Raducanu later downplayed the incident, calling it a "misunderstanding blown out of proportion." However, the moment added to a growing narrative of turbulence in her camp. Since her 2021 US Open triumph, Raducanu has cycled through multiple coaches, and this latest episode reignited debates about her stability on tour.
Key Moments from the Match
Beyond the controversies, the match itself was a rollercoaster:
- Anisimova saved three break points in the opening set before clinching the tiebreak.
- Raducanu fought back with aggressive baseline play to take the second set 6-4.
- The decider saw four consecutive breaks before Anisimova held serve to seal the win.
Anisimova, who has been resurgent after a mental health hiatus in 2023, praised Raducanu’s resilience: "Emma’s a fighter. She doesn’t give you anything for free. I had to dig deep today."
Fan and Analyst Reactions
The match sparked polarized reactions online. Some fans defended Raducanu, arguing that the coaching allegation was gamesmanship from Anisimova’s team. Others criticized her for the middle finger gesture, calling it "unprofessional for a Grand Slam champion." Former player Pam Shriver tweeted, "Coaching happens, but the finger? That’s a bad look."
Meanwhile, Raducanu’s supporters pointed to her recent improved form—she reached the Eastbourne semifinals in June—as proof she’s finding her rhythm. "People forget she’s only 21 and still learning," one fan wrote on Reddit.
What’s Next for Raducanu?
Despite the loss, Raducanu’s performance in Toronto showed flashes of the brilliance that made her a US Open champion. Her next scheduled event is the Cincinnati Open, where she’ll look to build momentum ahead of the US Open. "I’m taking the positives," she said. "My game’s coming together."
Anisimova, meanwhile, advances to face top seed Iga Świątek in a blockbuster fourth-round clash. The American, now ranked No. 36, is eyeing a return to the top 20 after her personal struggles. "This win means a lot," she admitted. "I’m just grateful to be competing at this level again."
The drama between Raducanu and Anisimova may fade, but the match’s controversies—coaching accusations, emotional outbursts, and a thrilling finish—ensured it will be remembered as one of the most talked-about clashes of the summer hardcourt swing.
As the tennis world shifts focus to Cincinnati and New York, Raducanu’s ability to handle scrutiny—both on and off the court—will remain under the microscope. For now, though, the young Brit insists she’s "focused on the future, not the noise."