WTA Indian Wells: Bianca Andreescu and the memories of 2019
Bianca Andreescu won her first title on the WTA tour in Indian Wells in 2019. This year, the Canadian wants to play her way out of the crisis in the California desert.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Oct 11, 2021, 05:31 am
It hit like a bomb. When Bianca Andreescu started a successful run in Indian Wells in 2019 and first caught the tennis world’s attention, the superlatives knew no bounds. In the finals, the Canadian finally took the crown after her great run, despite cramps she defeated the German Angelique Kerber and thus won her first title on the WTA tour.
More than two and a half years have passed since then and yet Andreescu is starting as the defending champion in the Californian desert these days. The reason for this is of course the corona pandemic, which prevented the tournament from being held last year and made life difficult for the organizers this year as well. Instead of March, the game is played in October, so the conditions for the protagonists are even more difficult - but Andreescu still feels right at home. "I have very good feelings every time I'm here," she said after her contested 7: 6 (2), 5: 7 and 6: 2 opening win over Alison Riske.
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The year so far has been modest for the Canadian, who has been plagued by injuries again and again, and Andreescu has not yet been granted a title win. In Indian Wells, the world number 21 wants. but don't know about any pressure to defend the title or a small sporting crisis: "If I focus too much on external factors, everything is complicated for me. I prefer to focus my full attention on the things that I really control can and are in my hand. "
This also includes - at least in part - the third round match against Anett Kontaveit. The previous two duels have gone to the Estonians, including a win at this year's lawn tournament in Eastbourne. Andreescu has been warned: "I know that if I want to have a chance I have to play an extraordinary game. She's a great player."
Here the single tableau in Indian Wells
iwmap