"Emma Raducanu's a cheater";"Completely disrupted Amanda Anisimova’s momentum" - Fans accuse Brit of 'faking' injury in Australian Open 2R win

Emma Raducanu has drawn backlash from tennis fans after calling for a medical timeout during her second-round clash with Amanda Anisimova at the 2025 Australian Open. The timing of the break raised eyebrows among fans, with many accusing the Brit of using it as a tactical ploy.

Raducanu, who had withdrawn from the ASB Classic due to a back spasm, commenced her campaign at the Melbourne Slam with a 7-6(4), 7-6(2) win over Ekaterina Alexandrova. The Brit then squared off against Anisimova for a place in the third round, clinching the opening set 6-3.

Controversy arose in the second set when Raducanu requested a medical timeout after losing the opening game. She received treatment from the physiotherapist after Anisimova had rushed away to a 3-0 lead. Following the break, the resurgent 22-year-old won three games in a row and eventually secured a 6-3, 7-5 victory.

However, fans were skeptical of Emma Raducanu's injury, with many of them accusing her of "faking" its severity and labeling her a "cheater."

"She’s a cheater!! Running around winning 3 games after a MTO on a hip? Please!!! Faker," one fan commented.

"Honestly that was disgusting to watch. Amanda had all the momentum and then Emma fakes being “hurt” down 0-3 in the 2nd set. Emma has ZERO class," a fan wrote.

"Gross using an MTO to turn the set," said another.

"This is flat out cheating by the way," said another.

Fans continued to lash out at the 22-year-old for "abusing" the medical timeout rules and disrupting Amanda Anisimova's momentum, with one fan accusing Raducanu of playing mind games to swing the match in her favor.

"The gamesmanship was epic. Completely disrupted Anisimova’s momentum with the signature fake MTO," one fan posted.

"Want further proof the MTO rules in tennis are being abused? Look no further than the Raducanu/Anisimova match. MTO from Emma down 3-0. Over 8 minutes long, massive delay. Anisimova lost 5 of the next 6 games. Emma’s coaches told her to call the trainer. No injury/illness," a fan wrote.

"Emma Raducanu playing mind games with MTO," another fan remarked.

"MTO masterclass," said yet another.

Emma Raducanu to take on Iga Swiatek in Australian Open 3R

Emma Raducanu and Iga Swiatek - Source: Getty

Following her win over Amanda Anisimova, Emma Raducanu will face a tough challenge against second seed Iga Swiatek in the third round of the 2025 Australian Open. Swiatek defeated Rebecca Sramkova 6-0, 6-2 to set up the blockbuster clash with the Brit.

The World No. 2 enjoys a dominant 3-0 lead in their head-to-head record, including a 6-3, 6-1 victory in their only hardcourt meeting at the 2023 Indian Wells Open.

Despite the formidable challenge ahead, Raducanu welcomed the opportunity to test herself against Swiatek, expressing her determination to deliver her best effort since she had "nothing to lose."

"It’ll be a good match for me. Any match I can play against these top opponents, I’m loving it. It’s an opportunity to test my game and see where I’m at. We played twice before on clay. Let’s see on hard court. She’s achieved so much already. Going into it, I have nothing to lose. I’m just gonna swing. I’m gonna give it my best," Emma Raducanu said.

The winner of the match between Emma Raducanu and Iga Swiatek will likely square off against Lucia Bronzetti or Eva Lys in the fourth round of the Australian Open.