Andreescu Continues Cinderella Run, Upsets Rybakina at Internazionali BNL d’Italia
Andreescu’s Historic Day on the Clay
, Romanian Bianca Andreescu etched her name into the history books of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, defeating No. 11 seed Elena Rybakina in convincing fashion, 6-2, 6-4, to reach the Round of 16. This victory marked a significant milestone for Andreescu, as she had previously lost all three of her encounters with the powerful Russian-Kazakhstani player, including their most recent meeting just two weeks ago at the Madrid Open.
Role Reversal on the Red Clay
Playing on the red clay of the Foro Italico in Rome, 2019 US Open champion Andreescu showcased her relentless aggressive game to topple her fellow Grand Slam winner, 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, in an hour and 27 minutes. In the previous meeting at Madrid, Rybakina had prevailed over Andreescu in just 59 minutes.
Andreescu’s Consistent Form in Rome
Ranked No. 42, Andreescu has been on a tear, notching two consecutive wins over Top 20 opponents. She took down No. 20 seed Donna Vekic in straight sets in the previous round. Despite only playing her fourth event of the year after another injury setback, the Canadian has.find her stride on the clay courts in Rome.
- Record in Rome: 3-2
- Best result: Quarterfinals (2022)
Path to the Quarterfinals
Andreescu will face either No. 8 seed Zheng Qinwen of China or No. 26 seed Magdalena Frech of Poland in the next round as she looks to secure a quarterfinal berth for the second time in Rome.
Did You Know?
Andreescu is no stranger to upsets. At just 18, she stunned then-No. 3 Caroline Wozniacki to reach the semifinals of Indian Wells in 2019. A few months later, she became the first Canadian to win a Grand Slam title at the US Open.