‘Always a Battle’: Bianca Andreescu Weighs In on Matchup Against Naomi Osaka Ahead of Australian Open 2021

Canadian tennis star Bianca Andreescu broke out on the scene when she clinched the 2019 US Open admirably. The 20-year-old is yet to establish a consistent impact on the WTA Tour, and she wants to create a competitive rivalry with Naomi Osaka! 

Bianca Andreescu is taking part in the Australian Open 2021, but there’s a concern about her game. The Canadian was troubled by injuries for the whole of 2020 and she’s returning to the game after a 14-month hiatus. 

Bianca Andreescu wants to face Naomi Osaka as soon as possible

Naomi Osaka’s rise in women’s tennis has been sensational. She’s evolved into one of the best players in the world and is an inspiration to many. The 23-year-old has a fearless mentality that sets her apart from the rest, and Andreescu belongs to the same category. 

Osaka and Andreescu have only played one match against each other, which came at the China Open in 2019. The pair put on an entertaining show, and Osaka eventually got the better of her opponent in a three-setter. 

The match also gave birth to a new rivalry in women’s tennis that is yet to present fans with more such exciting matches. 

“That match was incredible and I’m sure me and Naomi will have many great matches ahead. And, yes, it could be as soon as possible,” Andreescu said. “Maybe if I can get some matches in before because I know she’s been playing last year, that would be very helpful, but yeah I’m definitely looking forward to it. I love playing against her, it’s always a battle. And I love a challenge.” 

Andreescu reveals what kept her hooked during the Australian Open quarantine

The Australian Open 2021 will kick start soon, and the organizers have been doing a tremendous job of keeping the athletes safe from COVID-19 exposure. Just like the others, Andreescu had to undergo a 14-day quarantine upon arriving at Melbourne to lower the risk of contracting the virus.

In some cases, players weren’t allowed to leave their room for two weeks, which indeed took a toll on them. However, certain athletes like Bianca Andreescu came prepared for the mandatory quarantine period.

“Yeah, a lot of Xbox. I might say that was like half of my day because you can only do zoom fitness and shadow tennis for so long. But yeah, I’ve been playing a lot of Xbox, which I really enjoy it takes my mind off a lot of things,” Andreescu revealed. 

The 20-year-old also stuck to her meditation routines to help her get through the mental challenge. Some days also had her staring at the wall meaninglessly, but Andreescu got through it. 

“It wasn’t too bad for me, it just sucked not being on the court and not seeing people,” Andreescu added.

Bianca Andreescu is expected to make a mark at the ‘Happy Slam’ but the path to glory is a tough one this year. If the Canadian plays her first two rounds with immense confidence, she’ll have no jitters in advancing to the business end of the tournament. 

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