Canadian rising star Bianca Andreescu believes there is room for improvement following her win over Elise Mertens in the quarter-finals of the US Open.
The 19-year-old battled back from a set down to edge out Mertens 3-6, 6-2, 6-3, to become the first player from her country to reach the last four of the New York major since 1984. In what was the one of the most important matches of her blossoming career, Andreescu overcame some lacklustre patches of play to prevail with the help of 39 winners as she broke her opponent four times.
“I just told myself to keep fighting and hope that I can switch things around basically. I tried to stay more aggressive than the first set, and I felt like I was missing a lot in the first set, as well.” Andreescu reflected on her performance.
“I saw that she (Mertens) was picking on my backhand a lot, so I tried to go more down the line with my backhand so she can go back to my forehand so I can use my forehand, because I like my forehand.’
“I just told myself to just keep fighting and to not give up. That was the main thing.” She added.
Andreescu’s latest victory continues what has been a remarkable season for her. This time last year, she lost in the first round of qualifying at the US Open and was ranked outside the top 200. However, she has burst onto the tour this season by winning prestigious titles at both Indian Wells and the Rogers Cup. Furthermore, she is yet to lose to a top 10 player in 2019.
Whilst relishing in her rapid rise, a critical Andreescu isn’t completely happy with how her form is at present. When questioned about the level of her play on Wednesday, she admits that she is yet to reach her best form, even though she is currently in the middle of her best grand slam run.
“I’m going to be honest. I don’t think I played my best tennis. I just fought really well with what I had every single day. I think that’s the most important thing for me, and I’m sure for every athlete you’re not going to have good days every day.” She explained.
“So I just try my best to figure out what’s going well and what’s not and just go from there.”
Two wins away from the title, Andreescu is trying to keep grounded over the prospect of becoming Canada’s first ever grand slam singles champion before her 20th birthday. By reaching the semi-finals she has also booked a place in the world’s top 10 on Monday for the first time in her career.
The next challenge for Andreescu will be Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic, who will also be contesting the last four of a major for the first time. Bencic secured her spot with a 7-6(5), 6-3, win over Donna Vekic. She she wins, a potential rematch with Serena Williams looms. Williams will play Elina Svitolina in her semi-final match.