Suzan Lamens triumphed over Bianca Andreescu in a captivating first-round encounter at the Open Capfinances Rouen Métropole. Lamens defeated the former US Open champion in a thrilling match that lasted 2 hours and 34 minutes, with set scores of 6-1, 4-6, 7-6(2).
This match marked Andreescu`s return to competition since reaching the quarterfinals in Tokyo last October. Her career has been unfortunately affected by injuries and health issues, the latest being an emergency appendectomy revealed in early February. As a result, her ranking has dropped to No. 130 this week. This season marks the second consecutive year where Andreescu`s season debut is delayed until the clay court swing, following a back injury that sidelined her from August 2023 to May 2024.
Andreescu quickly engaged in one of her signature dramatic three-set matches, reminiscent of her breakthrough year in 2019. Despite some initial rust evident in the first set, the 24-year-old Canadian found her rhythm in the second set after breaking Lamens early on. From that point, the match remained intensely competitive until the very end.
Andreescu showcased her diverse playing style, utilizing slices and high topspin shots to disrupt the flow of rallies, and effectively employed a variety of shots against Lamens. A pivotal moment in the second set was a remarkable 20-shot rally, concluded by Andreescu with a stunning forehand winner down the line to break serve at 5-4. She then secured the set in the subsequent game, capitalizing on an error forced from Lamens with a high topspin ball on her second set point.
However, Lamens, currently ranked No. 69 and winner of her first WTA title in Osaka last autumn, proved to be a formidable opponent for Andreescu. Lamens` powerful forehand is her primary weapon and was crucial throughout the third set, where neither player conceded a break of serve. Her impressive defensive skills also thwarted Andreescu on multiple occasions. Notably, in the fourth game of the deciding set, Lamens absorbed a barrage of varied shots before responding with a forehand pass at full stretch.
Leading 5-4 in the third set, Lamens earned two match points on Andreescu`s serve. Andreescu managed to save both in dramatic fashion, first with a powerful forehand winner and then with a fortunate net cord. Nevertheless, Lamens maintained her composure and dominated the ensuing tiebreak, sealing the victory with two consecutive unreturned serves.
In the next round, Lamens is set to compete against No. 2 seed Linda Noskova, who herself recovered from a set and a break down to defeat Bernarda Pera with a score of 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4.
Rupert Caldwell