Osaka loses to Andreescu in thrilling Libema Open quarterfinals

AMSTERDAM: In a gripping quarterfinal match at the Libema Open in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, Canada’s Bianca Andreescu emerged victorious over Japan’s Naomi Osaka with a scoreline of 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (3). The contest, a battle of former Grand Slam champions, showcased the resilience and tenacity of both players.

The match reached its climax in a third-set tiebreaker. Osaka surged ahead by winning three consecutive points, taking a 3-2 lead. However, Andreescu demonstrated remarkable composure and skill, reeling off five straight points to seal the victory. This win marks a significant milestone for Andreescu, who is currently ranked No. 228 in the world. It propels her into her first semifinal of 2024, as she continues her quest for a singles title, her first since clinching the 2019 U.S. Open.

Andreescu will face Hungary’s Dalma Galfi in the semifinals. Galfi advanced by defeating Serbia’s Aleksandra Krunic 7-5, 6-3, showcasing her powerful serve with a 6-0 ace advantage. The other semifinal match will feature No. 2 seed Liudmila Samsonova of Russia, who overcame Belgian Greet Minnen 6-4, 7-5. Samsonova awaits the winner of the match between No. 3 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova of Russia and the 19-year-old American, Robin Montgomery, which was suspended with Montgomery leading 1-0.