Match Report | 2024 US Open: Paolini wins third consecutive Grand Slam clash against Andreescu

Jasmine Paolini defeated Bianca Andreescu 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 to advance to the second round of the US Open. The Italian player came back from a set down to secure her third consecutive Grand Slam main draw victory over the Canadian, having previously beaten her at the French Open and Wimbledon, both in the third round.

It's rare for two players to meet in three consecutive Grand Slam main draws, but this time the match began in favor of Andreescu, the 2019 champion, who sought revenge against Paolini. The Canadian secured the first break in the third game, taking a 3-1 lead with solid service games.

Andreescu employed an aggressive strategy, hitting 17 winners but also committing 24 unforced errors, compared to Paolini's 15 winners and 16 unforced errors. Andreescu found herself serving for the set at 5-3 but was unable to close it out as Paolini broke back, saving a set point and prolonging the tension. The set was ultimately decided in a tie-break, where Andreescu finally clinched it on her fifth set point.

However, the US Open champion couldn’t maintain her level in the second set as Paolini secured three consecutive breaks to jump to a 5-0 lead. Andreescu managed to recover one break, but it wasn't enough, and Paolini convincingly took the second set 6-2.

The world No. 5 faced challenges in the third set, saving several break points, but she handled the pressure better, securing a break in the third game to maintain the lead in the final stages of the match. Andreescu had one last surge, breaking back to level the score at 4-4. The fans were loving every bit of it.

However, she couldn’t hold her serve in the next game, and Paolini ultimately sealed the victory 6-7, 6-2, 6-4 to move into the second round. But what a night it was with Andreescu capable at the handshake to even share a joke. Both women had played their guts out in front of a by then thunderous crowd. To finish it all off with a smile at the net made it a perfect night in New York City.

Paolini's next opponent will be former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova (No. 44), who overcame a tough battle against Mayar Sherif with a 6-3, 0-6, 7-5 win.
Bianca Andreescu on the other hand can take pride in an excellent performance when tonight's evening will all have sunk in.