Having a busy summer? So is Bianca Andreescu. She’s also under a lot of pressure.
We all remember her unforgettable run in August and September 2019 in Toronto and New York. The 19-year-old literally dominated the scene when she triumphed at the National Bank Open and US Open in back-to-back wins over none other than Serena Williams.
After a string of injuries that kept her out of the 2020 season, the time has now come for her to defend her points. And there are a lot of points. Something the reigning champion and World No.8 is well aware of.
How many points exactly? 2 900. That’s over half her total of 4 431. So, she risks falling out of the Top 20 after Flushing Meadows.
“I try not to think too much about it so I don’t add pressure,” said Bianca.
How?
“I stay positive. I tell myself I’ve won before and have to do it again. That motivates me.”
great week for rebecca marino
Rebecca Marino had a great week (to say the least!), with memorable wins over two Top 50 players. She’ll rise from No.220 to No.175 and has secured the points she needs to compete in bigger tournaments. And she’s did it with all of Canada behind her.
BRUNEAU-MARINO
What does the future hold for 30-year-old Rebecca Marino?
“I have so much respect for Rebecca,” said Sylvain Bruneau, head of the women’s tennis program at Tennis Canada.
Is age an obstacle to getting ahead in tennis? The coach doesn’t think so.
Rebecca still has some great tennis ahead of her. “More and more players are hitting their stride at 30, 32 and even 34,” he affirmed.
Next week, the pair will be training hard in Montréal ahead of the US Open qualifying tournament.
À LA PROCHAINE, SIMONA !
No one could ever accuse Montréal’s sentimental favourite of not giving her all.
After a somewhat unlucky draw, the no.6 seed was on the comeback trail following many months out of the game due to a calf injury. She faced Danielle Collins of the US, who just claimed two straight titles in Palermo and San Jose.
Simona fell short in three sets (6-2, 4-6, 4-6) but gained some confidence. “I’m happy with how I played. I didn’t expect to play three hours at a high level, in those conditions, against someone who doesn’t lose,” she said after the match.
7 IS THE MAGIC NUMBER
WTA players are fit. Nearly half the matches—7 out of 16—were settled in three sets. Very impressive considering Centre Court has been as hot as a furnace all week.
EASY-BREEZY
Unlike her rivals, 17-year-old Coco Gauff has played only five short games in her entire tournament. She won 5-0 against Anastasia Potapova and didn’t even have to show up for her match against Johanna Konta, who bowed out due to a knee injury.
for a good cause
About the good/bad ad featuring Martin Matte and Félix Auger-Aliassime, reliable sources say a five-figure donation ($25,000) was made to the Aliassime Tennis Academy for young players.
