Bianca Andreescu v Lesia Tsurenko at NBO Toronto at Sobeys Stadium in Toronto, Ontario on August 6, 2024. Photo by Peter PowerTennis Canada
In the opening round of the US Open, the match between Bianca Andreescu and Jasmine Paolini felt like a final.
The 2019 titleholder had the difficult task of dismantling the World No.5, who competed in the finals of Roland-Garros and Wimbledon this summer.
Both players were ready for a tough battle.
Andreescu took advantage of the first break opportunity to gain a 2-1 lead, but Paolini, who should never be underestimated, soon brought the score to 3-3.
In the next game, Bianca capitalized on yet another break point and then consolidated to get up 5-3.
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Serving for the set at 5-4, Andreescu was stopped in her tracks when Paolini resisted and forced her to serve at 5-6 to stay in the set.
In the tiebreaker, Andreescu quickly took the lead with a mini-break on the very first point, but Paolini levelled things. Finally, at 6-5, the Canadian secured another mini-break to close out the set.
Swift second set
In the second set, Paolini was brilliant and left her opponent very few chances. She won 79% of the Canadian’s first serves and 63% of her second serves to forge a 5-0 lead.
Andreescu found a break at 5-2, but the damage was already done.
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A third set like the first
In the third set, Andreescu drew on her courage to hold off cramps and her rival, but two costly breaks helped Paolini seal the deal and move into the next round with a 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 win.
The match was the third clash in 2024 between Bianca Andreescu and Jasmine Paolini, who’ve only gone head-to-head at Slams. The Italian maintains her perfect record against the Canadian.
Click here to read the full US Open recap.
