National Bank Open Bianca Andreescu advances in Toronto

National Bank Open: Bianca Andreescu advances in Toronto

Bianca Andreescu didn’t have it easy in her first round match at the National Bank Open on Tuesday in Toronto, but beat the Russian Daria Kasatkina in straight sets 7: 6 (5), 6: 4.

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The Canadian, ranked at No. 53 in the world, worked hard in the first set as she and her opponent, ranked ninth in the WTA, had eight service breaks combined, including one in each of the opening five games of the set.

The crowd favorite felt uncomfortable right from the start of the deciding game, even getting back on her bench between scores, and the referee got off her chair to assess the health of the One-Blade representative. After her blood pressure was checked, she resumed play and won the first set.

Andreescu, who was just as combative in the second set, broke serve, seventh of the set overall, in game 10 as she led 5-4 to end the game.

Not surprisingly, in a 15-serve game, neither player was very effective with the balls. Amdreescu and Kasatkina played 57% and 66% of their first serves, respectively, winning just 50% and 55% of rallies, respectively.