Emma Raducanu's ‘humiliation' of Canadian Open opponent she was accused of cheating against

Daily Mirror

6 days ago

Emma Raducanu will face Amanda Anisimova for the third time this year in the third round of the Canadian Open, with the Briton yet to drop a set thus far in Montreal
British No. 1 Emma Raducanu is set to face a familiar opponent in Amanda Anisimova in the third round of the Canadian Open. The Toronto-born star has been making waves in Montreal after not dropping a single set so far in the tournament, most recently defeating Payton Stearns.
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Wimbledon runner-up Anisimova has also had a strong showing, although she only entered in the second round. And this could give the American, who returned to tennis after taking a hiatus in relation to her mental health, an important advantage as she seeks her maiden victory over Raducanu.
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The two players are known to be friendly off the court and have already faced each other twice in 2025, with Raducanu emerging victorious on both occasions - first at the Australian Open in January and then at the Miami Open in March. It was during the former that Raducanu drew the ire of Anisimova's fans, even being labelled a cheat for her actions.
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She was trailing 3-0 in the first set when she called for a medical timeout to receive treatment for a lower back issue. The 2021 US Open champion, who recently reclaimed top spot in the British rankings, went on to win six games without any response from Anisimova.
However, her supporters were less silent as many took to social media and accused Raducanu of dishonesty. Numerous supporters even went so far as to suggest she called for the break merely to halt her opponent's momentum.
One critic slammed X, exclaiming: "She's a cheater!! Running around winning three games after a MTO on a hip? Please!!! Faker." Another added: "This is flat out cheating by the way."
When Raducanu and Anisimova faced off again in Miami two months later, the match ended with a decisive 6-1, 6-3 victory in the former's favour. The Anisimova who had previously put Raducanu under pressure in Melbourne was nowhere to be seen in Florida as she was dominated on the court.
Sky Sports commentator Croft said during the match: "She is all over the place. That sigh says it all. Fed up out here. Not enjoying this. She's being humiliated."
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Anisimova needed a medical timeout in that same match to address wrist and hand issues that had troubled her earlier in the tournament. Controversy had already arisen during her third-round victory over 11th seed Mirra Andreeva when she took a timeout at 3-1 down in the final set to treat a blister on her middle finger.
Russian teenager Andreeva's objections were dismissed by the umpire. The youngster had already taken a medical timeout herself for a stomach issue earlier in the game, of which Anisimova was all too aware.
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Anisimova took to Instagram to share a photo of her blistered right middle finger, conspicuously raised while the others were folded down. This gesture was not only a sharp retort to Andreeva but also a cautionary signal to Raducanu about crossing her.
The image was accompanied by a sarcastic reference to Andreeva's remark: "'We all know why' at 3-1 up was a good one coming from the 1-2 first set medical."
Anisimova conceded Andreeva's early medical timeout had disrupted her rhythm in the match. Although they may be on friendly terms for now, Raducanu might think twice before requesting a break when they clash on Friday in Montreal, with their encounter scheduled for just past 1am on Saturday morning UK time.