Bianca Andreescu Wins Madrid Open Opener in Straight Sets

Madrid, Spain – Bianca Andreescu made a strong return to professional tennis on Wednesday, winning her first match at the WTA 1000-level Madrid Open with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over McCartney Kessler of the United States.

The 24-year-old from Mississauga, Ontario, converted all four of her break-point opportunities against Kessler, while the American only capitalized on one of eight chances. Andreescu also showcased her serving skills, hitting three aces and committing just one double fault.

Andreescu, who is ranked 132nd in the world, won 54.6 percent of total points during the match. Her victory sets up a second-round matchup against world No. 11 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan, who has won both previous encounters against Andreescu.

This match marked Andreescu’s return to the WTA circuit after a six-month break, during which she took time off to focus on her health. Last week, she lost in the first round of the Open de Rouen to Suzan Lamens.

Prior to her absence, Andreescu’s last match was a straight-set defeat against Katie Boulter in the Tokyo quarterfinals in October. Known for winning the U.S. Open in 2019 and reaching the final of the Miami Open in 2021, she has faced various challenges, including a back injury last year.

Elsewhere in the tournament, 25th-seed Leylah Fernandez of Laval, Quebec, is scheduled to compete against Ann Li of the United States, while Canadian men Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov are set to play their second-round matches on Friday after receiving first-round byes.

Italian teenager Federico Cina also enjoyed success on the clay, achieving his second ATP Masters 1000 victory by defeating Coleman Wong in straight sets.

“It is really special to win a match at this event,” said Cina after his 7-6 (5), 6-1 win over Wong.

Andreescu’s journey continues as she prepares to face Rybakina, looking to build on her momentum from this victory.