Osaka and Andreescu's long-awaited rematch at WTA 's-Hertogenbosch

Wednesday, 12 June 2024 at 19:59

Bianca Andreescu and Naomi Osaka will meet once more after five years, this time at the WTA 250 in Libema Open 's-Hertogenbosch. Both former Grand Slam champions were expected to develop a lasting rivalry when they were the leading young stars back in 2019.

However, this rivalry only saw one match at the China Open. At the time, 22-year-old Osaka was the world No. 4 and had already claimed two Grand Slam titles (2018 US Open and 2019 Australian Open). Meanwhile, the Canadian (No. 5 at the time), just 19 years old, had become the young sensation with two WTA 1000 titles in Indian Wells and the Canadian Open, as well as the most recent Grand Slam champion at the US Open less than two months prior.

Osaka vs. Andreescu: A thrilling match-up with different present circumstances

Their only previous match was in the quarterfinals of the China Open in October 2019. The clash was seen as the start of an intriguing future rivalry. In a tight match, Andreescu won the first set 7-5, but Osaka made a strong comeback to take the next two sets and secure the victory 5-7, 6-3, 6-4.

The Japanese player went on to reach the final of the tournament, where she defeated the then-world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty, also coming from a set down (3-6, 6-3, 6-2).

Naomi Osaka won his second major at 2019 Australian Open.

However, various circumstances prevented the rivalry from developing in the following years. Andreescu struggled to maintain a high ranking due to recurring injuries. On the other hand, Osaka continued to perform well for a while longer but then faced injuries, mental health issues, and a break in 2023 due to maternity.

Now, in 2024, both players will face each other as much more experienced players, this time on grass, a surface that has not particularly favored either of them in the past.

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The Canadian has made a notable comeback, considering her 9-month absence from the Tour due to a back injury. The former world No. 4 reached the third round of the French Open with wins over strong opponents like Sara Sorribes Tormo and the 23rd seed Anna Kalinskaya, before losing to the eventual runner-up Jasmine Paolini in three sets. In the Dutch grass-court tournament, she debuted with a victory over Eva Vedder and then defeated the 6th seed Yue Yuan (6-4, 6-4).

Osaka, on her side, has had a year on the rise and is on the verge of re-entering the top-100. Two weeks ago, she had Iga Swiatek on the ropes in the second round of the French Open, even having a match point, which she couldn't convert, while the Polish player made an epic recovery to stay in the tournament.

Bianca Andreescu at 2019 US Open.

The former world No. 1 put the bitter loss to Swiatek behind her and is already showing high-level play in 's-Hertogenbosch. She defeated the 4th seed Elise Mertens in the first round and then the local Suzan Lamens, both in straight sets.

The match against Andreescu will be played on Friday, June 14, at a time yet to be determined. The winner will return to the semifinals after a long time. Osaka's last semifinal appearance was in March 2022 at the Miami Open (lost in the final to Swiatek), and Andreescu's was in February of the same year in Hua Hin.

Mike McIntyre

@McIntyreTennis

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Bianca Andreescu advances to the @LibemaOpen quarterfinals where she’ll face Naomi Osaka. Can’t ask for much better than that early in the grass court season! My 📸 from the 2019 @NBOtoronto draw.