Jasmine Paolini clinches Bianca Andreescu hat trick with US Open comeback

NEW YORK—Jasmine Paolini maintained her mastery over Bianca Andreescu at the 2024 US Open, clinching a third straight victory over the 2019 champion, 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 in what is thus far one of the best matches of the tournament.

The No. 5 seed rallied from a set down and shook off a late surge to survive Andreescu under the Louis Armstrong Stadium lights, advancing after two hours and 47 minutes on Tuesday evening.

Paolini and Andreescu kicked off Day 2’s night session in what was set to be their third consecutive meeting at a major tournament. The Italian got the better of the Canadian at both Roland Garros (in three) and Wimbledon (in two), going on to reach the final of both events and secure a career-best ranking of No. 5.

A former world No. 4, Andreescu has been in search of her best tennis since winning the US Open as a teenager in 2019, defeating Serena Williams in the final. Beset by physical and mental struggles in the last five years, the now 24-year-old impressed on grass earlier this season, surviving Naomi Osaka en route to a runner-up finish at the Libema Open in ‘s-Hertogenbosch.

Looking to avenge her previous two defeats to Paolini, Andreescu emerged from an early exchange of breaks to take a 5-3 lead in the opening set. Paolini responded in inimitable fashion, saving four set points over the next two games to level at 5-5, setting the stage for a Sudden Death.

Tied after the first 10 points, Andreescu brought the crowd to its feet when drew a forehand error from Paolini to take the opening set.

Looking for her first Top 10 win , Andreescu was nearly swept away in the second set, falling behind 0-5. A revitalized Paolini broke serve three times and shook off losing one to ultimately force a decider.

The early games of the final set saw both play high-quality tennis. Andreescu threatened to take the lead with a pair of break points, but failed to convert and showed worrying signs of physical distress when she fell behind an early break herself.

Requiring a visit from the trainer during the ensuing changeover, the wild card navigated hindered movement as Paolini consolidated. Playing brave tennis from behind, Andreescu avoided a double-deficit but Paolini outfoxed her when it mattered most, landing a deft lob to extend her lead and closed in on the second round.

As the match ticked past the two-hour, 30-minute mark, Paolini saved break point with remarkable defense but threw in a double fault to hand Andreescu another look. Andreescu made no mistake the second time, sticking a stellar backhand volley to even the contest at four games all.

Just when Paolini looked out of answers, the Italian 28-year-old pulled out an audacious mix of offense and defense, engineering two break points behind a fearless foray to net. Andreescu saved one with her own aggressive play but Paolini would not be denied, breaking straight back to find herself serving for the match.

With the match on her racquet, Paolini got to double match point when Andreescu netted a forehand, converting with one last well-struck forehand to force an Andreescu error.

Awaiting Paolini, who is in the same section as two-time champion Naomi Osaka, in the next round is another former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova, who weathered a 0-6 second set to solve Mayar Sherif, 6-3, 0-6, 7-5.