Bianca Andreescu has been absent from the WTA elite for a few years now. But the former 2019 US Open champion performed a stunning win today beating Naomi Osaka 64 36 76
“I think the level was very high from both of us today. It could’ve been either of us winning. I told myself ‘whatever happens, happens. I just wanna give my best.’ That’s what I did. I’m very happy… I did well with my serve and return. The first few shots are very important. It was just my day I guess. Tomorrow she could’ve won. I guess it was just my day.”
The Canadian powerhouse is now in the semifinals of ‘s-Hertogenbosch Libema Open.
It was the first duel between the former Grand Slam queens since 2019 (Osaka won). Andreescu is now 5-1 (in two events) since returning to competitive tennis.
The 23 year old Andreescu is ranked 228 while the 26 year old Osaka is at 125. Osaka held a commanding 5-2 lead vs. Swiatek in the third set of their clash at French Open but lost, which catapulted Iga to winning her fourth French Open title. Osaka is 15-11 on the year.
's-Hertogenbosch · Bianca Andreescu · Canada · Naomi Osaka · Nike · US Open
catherine · June 15, 2024 at 4:59 am
Yes, very good match from both – and apparently injury free.
Trivia question – how old is Bianca ? I’ve seen her quoted as 22 to 24.
And how old is Raducanu? She seems to have been 21 for several years.
I could of course look up these vital questions but would prefer to see how both once prodigies age in public memory.
Scoop Malinowski · June 15, 2024 at 7:17 am
Bibi 23, Osaka 26, Emma is 21 or 22 I believe. Bibi hit the best running backhand winner down the line I’ve ever seen in WTA history. The concern again is Osaka put herself in the winning position again vs a top flight opponent but failed again. Could be a mental thing.
catherine · June 15, 2024 at 10:28 am
Bianca has always a wide repertoire of shots, some of which seemed to go astray on her comeback trail – but the muscle memory is clearly still there and available.
My bet is Naomi will play herself through that ‘fear of winning’. Wim managed that with Kerber before she thought tossing him overboard was a good idea.
Scoop Malinowski · June 15, 2024 at 4:00 pm
Catherine, no doubt Andreescu has everything to win more majors if she really wants to, will have to earn everything though. But she seems to have the obsession to do it again. Not sure about Osaka though, her physical fitness and game are back but the head could be the problem. Deep down she may feel she does not deserve it for all the political activism activity she did which repulsed most of her fanbase. She is a fragile woman in some ways and also so strong too, to even get back to this level is excellent after all the adversity she endured.
catherine · June 16, 2024 at 1:49 pm
From Emma’s comments on her decision to give the Olympics a miss:
“For me it was pretty clear,” said Raducanu. “I am very single-minded and I do things my own way and in my own time whenever I want, not in a diva way, but just prioritising my body and my health because I know if I am fit and giving my 100 per cent I know that great things are coming. I just don’t think there is any need to put any additional stress on my body or any risk, especially with my history.’
I find her attitude ok but I can understand why some tennis followers don’t like her very much.
Boulter beat Emma handily in Nottingham so now she’s the only Brit woman going to Paris.
Scoop Malinowski · June 16, 2024 at 6:32 pm
Catherine, it almost sounds like she’s trying to put herself above the Olympics. When you think of how some athletes dedicate their lives to compete in the Olympics, for her to just skip it sounds silly. She says she’s fit now and playing pretty well, why not just take a shot at it? But her clay confidence may not be sufficient to risk a first round blowout loss.
catherine · June 17, 2024 at 12:39 am
Yes, I think you’re right. Emma almost admitted so herself in another comment. She also slipped badly on the grass in her first set v Boulter. I think she has a WC for Eastbourne.
Scoop Malinowski · June 17, 2024 at 6:55 am
Clay just is not her strong suit and her image and ego are too fragile right now to endure another crushing 1R loss at Olympic clay. Her plan seems to be to rebuild her aura and rep on grass and then go all out on hard court which we know she can thrive on also. This is too important a year for her, she has to get back to the elite top 40 range again now. Playing clay is playing with krytonite.
catherine · June 20, 2024 at 3:53 am
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/jun/20/ash-barty-tennis-return-wimbledon-invitational-event-doubles
Slightly off topic but….is Ash back or did she just get bored ?
Scoop Malinowski · June 20, 2024 at 8:55 am
No surprise at all if Barty makes the third comeback, like Hingis. She should be in her prime now.