Andreescu wins thriller against Osaka

The long-awaited second meeting of Naomi Osaka and Bianca Andreescu did not disappoint. Five years since their first meeting, the Grand Slam-winning duo met in the quarterfinals at Libéma Open and it was the Canadian who prevailed: 6-4 3-6 7-6(3).

‘I served and returned well and was strong in the first few strokes of the rally, but it was so close that she could have won too,’ Andreescu informed the many enthusiastic fans on the centre court stands after the match.

The match between the two wildcard players was interrupted several times by rain, but could eventually be played neatly before darkness could set in. Former world number one Osaka did claw back a break deficit in the third set, but showed some sloppiness in the final phase of the tiebreak.

For Andreescu, who indicated this week that she feels a special connection with the pure nature in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, the win will be a welcome boost as she has only been back on the tour for a month after long injury. To already put such a level on the (grass) mat so soon is impressive.

In qualifier Dalma Galfi, Andreescu meets a surprising opponent in the last four. The 25-year-old Hungarian has already defeated Dutch number one Arantxa Rus, fifth seed Veronika Kudermetova and former champion Aleksandra Krunic.