Andreescu guts out tough 3-set win over Anisimova to advance at Miami Open
The Canadian Press | Posted: March 29, 2021 2:35 AM | Last Updated: March 29, 2021
Mississauga, Ont., native will face Spain's Garbiñe Muguruza in round of 16
Faced with adversity Sunday, Canada's Bianca Andreescu found a way to persevere.
It wasn't easy, but the Mississauga, Ont., product gritted out a 7-6 (4), 6-7 (2), 6-4 third-round win over American Amanda Anisimova at the Miami Open.
Andreescu struggled in the second set, giving up two breaks, but hung on and won 83 per cent of her service points in the third set to capture a victory in a match that lasted two hours 44 minutes.
"I know that [my game] can be better but I'm trying to find ways to push through on my off days. And I think I'm doing that well," she said.
"I think that's what makes a really good player and I'm trying to be that really good player like I was in 2019. And I did that today. I just want to fight and give it my all and the rest will come."
The 28th-seeded Anisimova saved 14 of 17 break points against Andreescu. The American had only two break-point chances, but converted on both.
WATCH | Andreescu beats Anisimova:
Anisimova was a tough opponent, Andreescu said.
"She's super erratic. She slaps every ball but she slaps very well," she said. "She's a really good player. It was tough. I was getting to a lot of balls I didn't even think I could get to. But that just shows that all the preparation I'm putting in is paying off."
The eighth-seeded Andreescu, 20, will face No. 12 seed Garbiñe Muguruza of Spain in the round of 16 on Monday night. Andreescu won the only previous match between the two, beating Muguruza en route to her first career WTA Tour title in Indian Wells, Calif., in 2019.
"I have to be on my A-game tomorrow because I know Muguruza's tough to play," the Canadian said.
Andreescu's parents and dog were among those in attendance
Andreescu will likely have some support in the stands. Her parents and dog, Coco, were among the limited fans in attendance on Sunday.
Hearing their support on the court was "incredible," Andreescu said.
Andreescu fought off two set points in the first set of her opening match in Miami, rallying to beat Tereza Martincova of the Czech Republic 7-6 (5), 6-2.
The Canadian, who had a first-round bye, returned from a 16-month layoff following a knee injury in February at the Australian Open, losing in the second round.
Andreescu followed that up by reaching the semifinals of an event in Melbourne for players eliminated early from the Australian Open, but a leg injury suffered there kept her out until Miami.
Andreescu is trying to recapture the form of her breakthrough 2019 season when she won three tournaments, including the U.S. Open.
Osaka makes 4th round in Miami for 1st time with walkover
Naomi Osaka advanced to the fourth round of the Miami Open for the first time in her career Sunday when qualifier Nina Stojanovic withdrew from their match shortly before the scheduled start because of a right thigh injury.
Osaka, ranked No. 2, has won 22 consecutive matches since her most recent defeat in February 2020, and she earned her fourth Grand Slam title at the Australian Open last month. But in Miami, where she is making her fifth appearance, she has previously made early exits.
Among the matches scheduled for later Sunday were No. 4-seeded Sofia Kenin against No. 27 Ons Jabeur, and No. 6 Karolina Pliskova against No. 29 Jessica Pegula. In men's play, No. 1 Daniil Medvedev was to take on Alexei Popyrin.