Canada’s Bianca Andreescu has crushed Britain’s Emma Raducanu 6-3 3-6 6-2 on the Miami Open in a first-round conflict of former US Open champions trying to recapture high kind after a spate of accidents.
Andreescu, coming off a third-round loss to world No.1 Iga Swiatek at Indian Wells, served seven aces and saved 11 of the 12 break factors she confronted in opposition to Raducanu on Wednesday to arrange a conflict with Greek seventh seed Maria Sakkari.
“I just came in here wanting to play my best with what I had today, I think I did that,” Andreescu stated throughout her on-court interview.
“I didn’t let my negative emotions get the best of me. I stayed positive, I was very energetic and I just never gave up. Those were the keys today.”
The 22-year-old Canadian broke first for a 2-0 lead when Raducanu despatched a forehand lengthy and remained in management as she closed out the opener on her fourth set level when the Briton despatched a backhand into web.
Raducanu became the aggressor within the second set and obtained the sting she wanted in a wild eighth recreation that she gained on her seventh break level for a 5-3 lead earlier than serving out the set.
In the decider, world No.31 Andreescu got here again from 0-40 to carry serve within the opening recreation and broke for a 4-2 lead when Raducanu desperately reached for a one-handed backhand that she despatched lengthy.
With the end line in sight, Andreescu ended the 2 hour 32 minute conflict on her first match level with one other break when Raducanu despatched a working forehand lengthy.
Andreescu, who retired with a shoulder damage throughout her semi-final match on the Thailand Open in February, continues to be on the lookout for her first title for the reason that 2019 US Open.
Raducanu, who got here to Miami after shedding to Swiatek within the fourth spherical at Indian Wells, has additionally been suffering from damage and inconsistency since she burst onto the scene together with her gorgeous triumph on the 2021 US Open.
In addition to the wrist damage that reduce brief her 2022 season, Raducanu suffered an ankle downside within the lead-up to the Australian Open and tonsillitis pressured her to withdraw from the Austin Open final month.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
