WTA Japan Open 2024: Andreescu's misery continues with damning loss to Minnen

The Japan Open continued through the night and for Bianca Andreescu, it was another crushing defeat in her first match since US Open as she was easily beaten by Greet Minnen 6-3, 6-0 in just over an hour.

Andreescu returned earlier this season showing great form almost immediately and at all of the Grand Slams, she was only stopped by a player of the year in Jasmine Paolini at every juncture. But the signs were bright.

Albeit she has not won a game on tour since Wimbledon in June and after getting injured at the Olympic Games has not been the same player. On social media, Andreescu talked up her return to the court and her excitement. But it was an erratic display all over the shop from the 24-year-old. Minnen throughout the contest was cleaner and more efficient with her work than Andreescu which provided a pretty simple victory in the end.

It is perhaps a missed opportunity also for Andreescu with most of the big names in the draw losing early or withdrawing late. Now it will be back to the drawing board and on social media, fans remarked that perhaps she needs to head to smaller tournaments or sign up for more before the end of the season to find her rhythm again.

Eva Lys celebrated on social media being a lucky loser and getting to play in Japan and she is certainly making the most of it with a 6-2, 6-3 win in a tough opening test against Camila Osorio. Also through during the night were Harriet Dart in a gruelling three set affair against Laura Siegemund.

Marie Bouzkova and Ana Bogdan also registered wins as did Diane Parry who defeated Erika Andreeva. Ashlyn Krueger the defending champion is currently a set down to the tough Armenian, Elina Avanesyan.