US Open 2019 news - Bianca Andreescu battles back to see off Elise Mertens in New York

ByReuters

Updated 05/09/2019 at 07:28 GMT

Canadian teenager Bianca Andreescu came from behind to overpower Elise Mertens 3-6 6-2 6-3 and reach her first Grand Slam semi-final at the U.S. Open on Wednesday.

Bianca Andreescu

Image credit: Getty Images

After a flawless first set from Mertens the tide turned in Andreescu's direction in the second when she fired a cross-court forehand winner to break the Belgian at love and take a 4-2 lead.

She fired another winner, her 40th, up the line to seal the win under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

"I need someone to pinch me right now, is this real life?" she said in an on-court interview.

WTA Stuttgart

'Found my way to win' - Swiatek beats Mertens in Stuttgart opener, Jabeur out

18/04/2024 at 17:52

"I just told myself to stay calm and stick to the tactics," she said when asked what she told herself after falling behind.

Andreescu will next face fellow first-time semi-finalist Swiss Belinda Bencic.

The quarter-final offered a fascinating contrast in styles between the explosive power of the Canadian teenager and the steady counterpunching of the 23-year-old Mertens.

But once the 15th-seeded Andreescu found the range with her punishing groundstrokes, she was able to wear down the 25th-seed and pile up the winners.

The victory continues a strong-run for the 19-year-old, who clinched titles at Indian Wells in March and last month's Canadian Open.

WTA Indian Wells

Osaka 'trying not to be too hard' on herself after loss to Mertens at Indian Wells

12/03/2024 at 08:35

Australian Open

Who's playing at this year's Australian Open and who's missing?

08/01/2024 at 10:12

US Open

Gauff excited to face 'legend' Wozniacki after latest US Open fightback, Rybakina crashes out

02/09/2023 at 08:01

Join 3M+ users on app

Stay up to date with the latest news, results and live sports

Download

Scan me