Suzan Lamens ended Bianca Andreescu`s latest comeback attempt in the first round of the Open Capfinances Rouen Métropole, winning a thrilling match 6-1, 4-6, 7-6(2). The match lasted 2 hours and 34 minutes.
Andreescu was competing for the first time since reaching the quarterfinals in Tokyo last October. An emergency appendectomy in early February was the latest setback for the Canadian, whose career has been frequently interrupted by injuries and illness. Her ranking has subsequently dropped to No. 130 this week. This marks the second consecutive season where Andreescu has begun her year during the clay court swing; she was previously out of action from August 2023 to May 2024 due to a back injury.
It didn`t take long for Andreescu to engage in one of her signature dramatic three-set matches, reminiscent of her captivating 2019 breakthrough season. Despite showing some rust in the first set with several errors, she found her footing in the second set, breaking Lamens early and turning the match into a closely fought contest.
Andreescu showcased her diverse playing style, using slices and high topspin shots to disrupt the rhythm of rallies, effectively employing a variety of shots against Lamens. A particularly memorable point, crucial in the second set, saw Andreescu conclude a 20-shot rally with a powerful forehand winner down the line to break serve at 5-4. She then secured the set in the following game, forcing an error from Lamens with a high topspin shot.
However, Lamens, ranked No. 69 and winner of her first Hologic WTA Tour title in Osaka last autumn, proved a strong opponent for Andreescu. Lamens` powerful forehand was central to her game throughout the third set, where neither player conceded a break. Her impressive defense also frustrated Andreescu on numerous occasions. In the fourth game of the deciding set, Lamens endured a barrage of varied shots before executing a forehand pass at full stretch.
Leading 5-4 in the third set, Lamens had two match points on Andreescu`s serve. Andreescu saved both in dramatic fashion – first with a strong forehand winner, and then with a fortunate net cord. Nevertheless, Lamens remained composed and dominated the ensuing tiebreak, finishing the match with two consecutive unreturned serves.
Lamens will next play against No. 2 seed Linda Noskova, who overcame a set and a break deficit to defeat Bernarda Pera 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4.
