Canadian rising star Bianca Andreescu is continuing to gather momentum in the US Open after knocking out former world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki in straight sets.
The 15th prevailed 6-4, 6-4, during her third round encounter after overcoming some blips along the way. During the opening set she lost her break advantage at the start before turning the match round in her favour. Then in the second, the Canadian lost a double break advantage in the roller coaster clash. Nevertheless, Andreescu managed to clinch victory with the help of 27 winners. More than two times that of Wozniacki (13).
“I think if anything I wish I could have served better today.” The world No.15 said.
“It wasn’t as easy with the sun, obviously for both of us. But if there is one thing that I could change, it would probably be that.’
“Otherwise, I think she’s playing very well and, mixing up the pace. She’s taking it early. She has a lot of shots in her game that she can pull out. I tried my best. I fought hard. That’s it.”
Andreescu has come a long way since her last appearance 12 months ago at Flushing Meadows where she lost in the first round of qualifying. This season she has already claimed her first two WTA titles in Indian Wells and at the Rogers Cup. Furthermore, she has won all seven of her meetings with top 10 players.
The rapid rise of the 19-year-old hasn’t gone unnoticed by her rivals, including Wozniacki. Who also lost to the Canadian in January at the ASB Classic in Auckland. Speaking about Andreescu, Wozniacki said she reminds her of another former grand slam champion.
“I think the one that I can most compare her game to would probably be Kim (Clijsters) back in the day. I think because she moves well and she can stretch out and get to some balls and also play the aggressive and using the angles. Obviously she prefers the forehand just like Kim.” Wozniacki analysed.
“But she can move around the backhand and put the angle on it.” She added.
Clijsters is a three-time US Open champion. A milestone that has been achieved by six other women in the Open Era. Her first title in Flushing Meadows was back in 2010 when Andreescu was 10-years-old.
“I actually looked up to her a lot while I was just coming up, when I started playing tennis. So that’s really nice to hear from other players, because I think my game is pretty similar to hers. But not as good yet.” Andreescu said of her comparison with the former Belgian player.
“She’s an incredible fighter. She’s very solid all around. She can volley, she can slice, dropshot. And she’s very consistent, as well. She chooses her targets and she has a very good serve and return. She’s very strong mentally.”
Andreescu will play serve and volley specialist Taylor Townsend in the fourth round. Townsend followed up on her win over Simona Halep by dismissing Sorana Cirstea in straight sets.
Should she win, Andreescu will become the first Canadian to reach the US Open quarters since Patricia Hy-Boulais back in 1992.
