Bianca Andreescu staged a dramatic comeback Sunday to topple Garbine Muguruza in a battle of former Grand Slam champions on day one of the Adelaide International.
The Canadian, who won the 2019 US Open, was crushed in the first set and slipped 2-5 behind in the second before surging home 0-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-1 to get her 2023 season off to a winning start.
It maintained her perfect record against two-time Grand Slam winner and former world number one Muguruza, improving to 3-0.
“In the second set I really had to change my game plan,” said the 22-year-old, who has slipped to 46 in the world.
“I told myself to go for it, whatever happens happens. I put more returns in the court, more serves in the court. I’m so glad I pulled that out, I have no idea how.” Spain’s Muguruza, who won the French Open in 2016 and Wimbledon a year later, claimed the first set in commanding fashion, outnumbering Andreescu in winners eight to two, not facing a break point.
Andreescu started the second set more strongly, only for Muguruza to break for 4-2 then consolidate for 5-2 with serve.—AFP
