Andreescu Survives Injury Scare in Opening Match to Defeat Krejcikova at National Bank Open

Andreescu served exceptionally well under pressure, getting broken once on ten break points faced in the evening. The world No. 187 also had her fair share of break opportunities as she converted on three of her eight.

The match began with a flurry of break opportunities as the Slam champs each faced four break points over their first three service games. The crowd-favourite Andreescu saved all four and converted on one to lead 4-2.

At 5-3, 15-40, the Mississauga-native brushed off Krejcikova’s pressure on serve once again, winning four-straight points to take the opening set.

To start the second, the Czech continued to make things difficult for Andreescu on serve. At 1-0, the Canadian faced four break points, and Krejcikova was finally able to convert on the fourth try. After a hold, the world No. 80 led 3-0.

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Undeterred, Andreescu turned the tables, managing a pair of holds and breaks to take a 4-3 lead in the set. The world No. 187 won 11 of 12 points as part of that run.

Andreescu had to hold the rest of the way and, for the first time in the match, the 2019 U.S. Open champion didn’t face a break point over two-straight service games. 

However, at 5-4, with Andreescu holding an advantage to seal the match, the Mississauga-native suffered a scary ankle roll that forced her to take an injury timeout. 

With the ankle heavily wrapped up, the former world No. 4 was determined to finish the match and she did exactly that. Andreescu recorded two unreturned serves on her second delivery and was brought to tears in front of the home crowd as she won the match.

The Canadian’s resilient win sets up a second-round clash against world No. 5 Mirra Andreeva on Tuesday.

Photo by: Sarah-Jäde Champagne