Tennis

Jasmine Paolini's dominance over Bianca Andreescu continued at the 2024 US Open, as the Italian secured a hard-fought 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 victory in a thrilling encounter that captivated the crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium.The match, which kicked off Day 2's night session, marked the third consecutive meeting between the two players at a major tournament. Paolini had previously triumphed over Andreescu at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, reaching the final in both events.Andreescu, a former world No. 4, has been striving to regain her top form since her US Open triumph in 2019. Despite physical and mental challenges, she impressed on grass earlier this season, reaching the final of the Libema Open.The opening set was a tight affair, with both players trading breaks early on. Andreescu surged ahead 5-3, but Paolini displayed her resilience, saving four set points to level at 5-5. The set eventually went into a Sudden Death, where Andreescu prevailed with a forehand error from Paolini.In the second set, Paolini seized control, breaking Andreescu's serve three times to take a commanding 5-0 lead. Andreescu managed to break back once, but Paolini ultimately forced a decider.The final set featured high-quality tennis from both players. Andreescu threatened to take the lead with break points, but Paolini held firm. However, Andreescu showed signs of physical distress and required a visit from the trainer.Despite her hindered movement, Andreescu fought back to level the set at 4-4. However, Paolini's audacious mix of offense and defense proved too much for the Canadian, as she engineered two break points and converted one to serve for the match.With the match on her racquet, Paolini faced double match point but saved one with remarkable defense. Andreescu made no mistake the second time, but Paolini broke straight back to find herself serving for the match once again.With the crowd on their feet, Paolini converted her second match point with a well-struck forehand, forcing an Andreescu error. The Italian advanced to the second round, where she will face former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova.

Four Former US Open Champions Receive Wild Cards for Flushing MeadowsThe upcoming US Open will witness the return of four former champions, who have been awarded wild cards into the prestigious Grand Slam tournament. Dominic Thiem, Naomi Osaka, Stan Wawrinka, and Bianca Andreescu will join the star-studded field at Flushing Meadows, bringing with them a wealth of experience and past success.Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion, will make his final Grand Slam appearance at his beloved Flushing Meadows. The 30-year-old Austrian announced his retirement in May, citing persistent injuries. His triumph in 2020 was a remarkable feat, as he rallied from two sets down to defeat Alexander Zverev in a thrilling final played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Osaka, another former US Open champion, will be eager to rediscover her winning form in New York. The four-time major winner has struggled for consistency in recent times but recently returned to the Top 100. She will be hoping to improve upon her disappointing performances at the Australian Open, Roland Garros, and Wimbledon this year.Wawrinka, the 2016 US Open champion, is a veteran of the sport at 39 years old. The Swiss star has won three Grand Slam titles in his illustrious career, including his victory over Novak Djokovic at Flushing Meadows eight years ago. Andreescu, the 2019 US Open champion, became Canada's first major singles champion with her magical run in New York. She will be looking to recapture that form and challenge for the title once again.In addition to the former champions, several other players have earned wild cards into the US Open. Amanda Anisimova, who won the US Open Wild Card Challenge, will be hoping to build on her impressive runner-up finish in Toronto last week. American players McCartney Kessler, Alexa Noel, Iva Jovic, Chris Eubanks, Learner Tien, Zachary Svajda, and Matthew Forbes have also secured spots.France's Alexandre Muller and Chloe Paquet, along with Australia's Tristan Schoolkate and Taylah Preston, complete the list of wild card recipients. These players were selected as part of reciprocal agreements between the USTA, the FFT, and Tennis Australia.The US Open will take place from August 29th to September 11th at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. With a star-studded field and the return of former champions, the tournament promises to deliver thrilling tennis and unforgettable moments.

Bianca Andreescu, the former world No. 4, has stormed into her first final of the year at the Libema Open in the Netherlands, marking a remarkable comeback after a nearly 10-month absence due to a back injury.In her second tournament since returning to action, Andreescu showcased her resilience and determination, defeating Hungarian qualifier Dalma Galfi 6-4, 6-2 on Saturday. The victory extends her impressive record to 6-1 on the season, despite her current ranking of No. 228."It feels great," Andreescu said after the match. "All the hard work and perseverance is paying off. I played very well throughout the match, even though the conditions weren't easy."Andreescu's victory sets up a tantalizing final, where she will face either No. 3 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova or No. 2 seed Liudmila Samsonova. The rain-affected schedule has disrupted the tournament, forcing the suspension of their match due to darkness.Alexandrova, the two-time defending champion, advanced to the semifinals with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over American qualifier Robin Montgomery. Samsonova, meanwhile, was leading 6-3, 6-7 (1) when play was halted.Andreescu's resurgence is a testament to her unwavering spirit and the belief she has in her abilities. The Canadian will be aiming to capture her first WTA title since 2019, when she triumphed at the US Open for her lone Grand Slam trophy.The Libema Open final promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Andreescu looking to continue her impressive run and add another chapter to her remarkable comeback story.

Bianca Andreescu and Naomi Osaka, two former Grand Slam champions, engaged in a thrilling three-set battle at the Libema Open, with Andreescu ultimately emerging victorious.Andreescu, playing in only her second tournament of 2024 after a nine-month absence due to a back injury, displayed remarkable resilience against a resurgent Osaka. The match, which lasted two hours and 15 minutes, was a testament to the high quality of tennis both players possess.The first set was a closely contested affair, with Andreescu securing the lone break point off a stunning volley. Osaka, however, roared back in the second set, taking a commanding 5-0 lead and forcing a decider.The third set was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both players saving break points and trading blows. Andreescu broke first, but Osaka responded with a series of powerful forehand winners to level the contest.In the deciding tiebreaker, Andreescu's determination shone through. She converted a match point when an Osaka forehand clipped the netcord and dropped back onto her side.Andreescu's victory marks a significant milestone in her comeback from injury. She will now face Hungarian qualifier Dalma Galfi in the semifinals.

When Naomi Osaka and Bianca Andreescu first faced off in the quarterfinals of the 2019 China Open, it seemed like the beginning of a fierce rivalry between two rising stars. However, injuries and mental health struggles have hindered both players' careers since then.Now, five years later, they will meet again in the quarterfinals of the WTA 250 Libema Open on grass courts in the Netherlands. Both players received wild cards into the tournament and have cruised through their first two matches.Andreescu, who turns 24 on June 16, is playing in just her second tournament since returning from a nine-month injury layoff. She reached the third round at Roland Garros, while Osaka has rebounded from a disappointing second-round loss to Iga Swiatek in Paris.In their previous encounter, Osaka snapped Andreescu's 17-match winning streak in a three-set thriller. Both players have since been open about their mental health struggles and have taken time off from tennis to address them.Despite their setbacks, both Andreescu and Osaka remain promising players with the potential to reach the top of the game. Their quarterfinal match at the Libema Open will be a reminder of what might have been and a glimpse of what's still possible for two players who have faced adversity with resilience and determination.The winner of the match will advance to the semifinals, a stage neither player has reached on grass before.

Bianca Andreescu's triumphant return to Grand Slam tennis at Roland Garros has ignited a renewed sense of optimism within the Canadian star. After a 10-month hiatus due to a stress fracture in her back, Andreescu showcased her resilience and determination by defeating two formidable opponents before bowing out in the third round.Andreescu's journey back to the court has been marked by introspection and a shift in perspective. She acknowledges that she previously defined herself solely through her sport, but now seeks a more balanced approach. This newfound self-awareness has fueled her recovery and given her a renewed sense of purpose.In a heartfelt Instagram post, Andreescu expressed her gratitude for the support she has received during her latest adversity. She emphasized that her career has been challenging, but it has also taught her invaluable life lessons.Andreescu's candor has been a refreshing aspect of her comeback. She openly discusses the physical and mental toll her injuries have taken, but she remains unyielding in her pursuit of success. She believes that her experiences have made her a stronger and more mature athlete.Despite her current ranking of 228, Andreescu is confident in her abilities. She is using a protected ranking to compete at Wimbledon next month, where she hopes to continue her resurgence.Andreescu's return to form is a testament to her unwavering spirit and the power of perseverance. Her journey serves as an inspiration to all athletes who face setbacks and challenges in their careers.

Bianca Andreescu, the 2019 US Open champion, is set to make her long-awaited return to competitive tennis at the WTA 250 event in Rabat, Morocco next week. The Canadian has been sidelined since last August due to a back injury, but has been training diligently in Monte Carlo in preparation for her comeback.Andreescu's return to competition has been highly anticipated, as she has been one of the most promising young players on the WTA Tour. She burst onto the scene in 2019, winning the Indian Wells and US Open titles, and reaching the final of the Rogers Cup. However, injuries have plagued her since then, limiting her ability to compete at the highest level.Despite the setbacks, Andreescu has remained determined to return to her former glory. She has been working closely with her team to address her physical issues and has been gradually increasing her training intensity. In recent weeks, she has been posting videos and photos of herself training on clay, indicating that she is ready to make her return on the red dirt.Andreescu's return to competition is not only significant for her own career, but also for Canadian tennis. She is one of the country's most successful players and her return will provide a much-needed boost to the sport in Canada. She is also a role model for young athletes, showing that it is possible to overcome adversity and achieve success.Andreescu's goals for her abridged 2024 season include representing Canada at the Paris Olympics in August. She qualified by ranking to play in the Tokyo Olympics, but made the "difficult decision" at the time in 2021 to withdraw due to challenges posed by the lingering COVID-19 pandemic."The Olympics, it's been my goal ever since I was a little girl," Andreescu said. "If I can be up on that stage, whether I win or lose, obviously, I want to win, but just raising up that Canadian flag and representing my country will mean the world to me."Andreescu entered both Rabat and Roland Garros with a protected ranking of No. 64. She reached the third round in Paris last year.