Australian Open 2021: Bianca Andreescu escapes with narrow victory over Mihaela Buzarnescu

Liam O'Loughlin

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Australian Open 2021: Bianca Andreescu escapes with narrow victory over Mihaela Buzarnescu image

Canadian star Bianca Andreescu has advanced to the second round of the Australian Open following a three-set victory over Mihaela Buzarnescu.

The 20-year-old won 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 inside Melbourne Arena but had to overcome her fair share of scares in the process. 

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Andreescu came into the tournament as the No. 8 seed, in her first match back after more than an injury layoff of more than a year. 

It looked like business as usual for Andreescu in the first set, but the underdog from Romania made inroads in the second to take it to a decider. 

Locked at 3-3 in the third set, things were looking even more dicey for Andreescu, but she found a way to get it done after overcoming three break points.

The 2019 U.S. Open winner will now play Wednesday in the second round, with an opponent yet to be determined. 

Liam O'Loughlin

Liam O'Loughlin Photo

Liam has been with The Sporting News since 2019, helping lead both NRL and cricket content, as well as delving into the world of combat sports and NFL. A true rugby league tragic, he has spent the past 20 years playing, coaching and volunteering for his beloved junior club, Penshurst RSL. 

Away from work, Liam has a lifelong passion for all things pro wrestling and has travelled abroad to attend showcase events for WWE, AEW and NJPW.