Bianca Andreescu Strives to Outclass Amanda Anisimova, Books Berth Against Garbine Muguruza at Miami Open 2021

Canadian Bianca Andreescu and American Amanda Anisimova battled valiantly to reach the fourth round at the ongoing Miami Open. Consequently, it became one of the most impressive matchups in the Sunshine State so far. In the end, it was the Canadian who took it away, winning the match 7-6 (4), 6-7 (2), 6-4.

Coming into the match, the eighth seed and World No. 9, Bianca, had defeated Tereza Martincová 7-6 (5), 6-2 in the previous round. While Amanda, 28th seed and World No. 32, overcame compatriot and US Open winner Sloane Stephens 6-3, 6-3.

Moreover, it was the first time Andreescu and Anisimova clashed against each other, but it was obviously not the last. Thus, both of them were also looking to get the first mark in their head-to-head battle. Here’s how it went down between the two in the Miami Open 2021 Round of 32.

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Bianca Andreescu vs Amanda Anisimova: Set 1

Amanda Anisimova, 19, delivered a clean service game to start the match. She looked sharp and ready to fight for the seat in the first round right from game one.

Across the net, the 20-year-old Bianca Andreescu also began on a positive note. More than holding her service, the Canadian also created the first chance to break in the next game. She then went on to level the games at 2-2.

Following that, the 2019 US Open champion earned another break point but eventually served to tie the opening set at 3 each. Clearly, her opponent was playing the big points with a completely different vigor.

Losing six more break points at 4-4, the Canadian had to hold to stay alive in the first set and did so with a classic drop shot. At 5-5, Anisimova again came ahead and saved two more break points, improving her tally to 10/10.

After close to an hour of battle, there was no separating the two. Eventually, it all came down to the tie-breaker. Bianca finally came through and screamed in relief, winning the tight opening set 7-6 (4).

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Andreescu vs Anisimova: Set 2

There was no stopping the 20-year-old Canadian after the opening set. Deservedly, she converted her 12th break point of the match and sat comfortably at 2-0 in the second set.

However, Anisimova recovered from the loss and held her serve to make it 2-2. Indisputably, they both maintained a high quality of tennis throughout the match. Furthermore, the young gun made the first break of the match and took the lead in the second set, 3-4.

Stormingly, Bianca stole the lead after her opponent’s medical timeout, breaking her at 3-4, 40-0. At 5-4, Anisimova again took a medical timeout but came back strongly to level the set at 5 each.

Furthermore, the second set also saw a tie-breaker. But this time around, the 19-year-old showed her diligence and took the set 6-7 (2) in 51 minutes.

Andreescu vs Anisimova: Final set

Regrettably, Bianca scraped three more break points in the opening game of the decider set. Her opponent was taking on every big point relentlessly.

Playing for more than 2 hours, fatigue barely affected their performances. But at the side change at 1-2, the Canadian took the time advantage and took a medical timeout to get ready for the climax.

And that is what happened, as Bianca won the next three games and put herself in front at 4-2. Anisimova held her next serve to stay close in the match.

At 5-4, the Canadian served for the match and did so in style. After battling for more than 2 and a half hours, Bianca will play the Round of 16 in Miami.

She will meet the twelfth seed and two-time Grand Slam winner Garbine Muguruza in the next round. It would be yet another action-packed blockbuster clash to look out for. Who do you think will win the Miami Open women’s singles’ title this year?

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