Video: Bianca Andreescu rules against Osaka and scores with an insane running backhand

With the grass court season kicking off this week, tennis players could be forgiven for not producing their best as they transition from clay to grass courts. However, Bianca Andreescu showed little sign of rust as she hit one of the shots of the tournament at the 2024 Libema Open s-Hertogenbosch.

The 2019 US Open champion squared off against four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in the quarterfinals at the Libema Open on Friday. Andreescu prevailed in a three set thriller, scoring a 6-4 3-6 7-6(3) victory over her spirited opponent.

Both ladies have been out of action over the past few months, with Andreescu dealing with injuries while Osaka recently returned to the WTA tour after giving birth to her first daughter last July. Nonetheless, neither competitor held back as they fought to advance in s-Hertogenbosch.

After exchanging the first two sets, Andreescu kicked off proceedings on the final set. A few well-placed groundstrokes saw Osaka gain control in the opening game and begin to dictate the point. The Japanese superstar soon hit a well-angled forehand that had Andreescu scurrying across the court to retrieve the ball. However, as Osaka approached the net, her Canadian opponent hit a superb backhand passing shot that elicited a rapturous applause from the crowd. Osaka could only watch the ball go past her before returning to the baseline.

The final set was eventually decided by a tiebreak, with Andreescu's consistency paying off. The former World No.4 will face Hungarian Dalma Galfi in Saturday's semifinal, with both ladies trying to reach their first final of the 2024 season.