Bianca Andreescu advanced to the quarterfinals of the US Open, by defeating Taylor Townsend after three sets of play, 6-1, 4-6, 6-2. It was one of the most interesting matches the Canadian player played at the US Open.
This was an anxiously-waited clash between two girls who made a lot of noise here in New York. Townsend arrived here through qualifications, and on her way towards the Round of 16, eliminated world No.1 Simona Halep.
Meanwhile, Andreescu is considered to be one of the biggest talents in tennis, and after clinching a title at Rogers Cup, the 19-year old is continuously in the middle of attention.
And to be clear, the match fulfilled all the expectations. We saw a fierce battle, which had everything in order to satisfy the most demanding tennis fans.
The opening set started with the Canadian teenager quickly dismantling Townsend’s aggressive and attacking game. In no time, Andreescu was 4-0 up and controlling the match. She had a brief problem with serving, which allowed Townsend to make a break, but that didn’t help the American too much.
However, those issues with her serve continued to trouble Andreescu in the second set. Her opponent used it in the best possible way, opening that sequence with three straight games won. She closed that part of the contest with a double fault, thus giving the US player a chance to turn the tables in this event.
The Canadian star went to the locker room for a moment to pull herself together, while her opponent stayed on the court, and jumped over the rope to keep warm. The fans at Flushing Meadows gave Townsend massive support in this one, but eventually, she couldn’t win.
Andreescu was more focus and was relentless in the decisive set, now allowing a minimal chance for the American to come even close. She immediately made a break, and continued in the same rhythm, quickly reaching a 5-1 lead.
Townsend didn’t want to go down that easily, and she saved four match points before having to congratulate her rival.
“I think I’m a pretty good problem solver on the tennis court,” Andreescu said about her crisis following the match. “I wasn’t always very good at that. It developed over time, I guess, with practice. I’m glad that showed today.”
The teenager was lost in some moments, but she did manage to come back and to fight all the adversities. It once again proved the claims that she is on the road to becoming one of the best in this sport.
She explained what the recipe was in this case.
“But I just tried to stay in my own bubble. I tried to just focus more on myself and my game.”
We need to add that this clash was the 11th straight which she won and that it had to go through three sets. It is proof of Andreescu’s massive mental power, which is way ahead of her time.
Her next opponent will be seed no.25 Elise Mertens, who humiliated Kristie Ahn, giving her only two games, 6-1, 6-1.
