Andreescu beats Azarenka to advance to second round at Roland-Garros

PARIS — Canada's Bianca Andreescu has advanced to the second round of the French Open with a 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 win over 18th-seed Victoria Azarenka of Belarus.

Andreescu started to take control of the match after a poor first set, overpowering Azarenka with an aggressive pace and confident shotmaking.

Andreescu went up with an early break in the third set to take a 2-1 lead, then fought off a break point for a crucial hold.

Azarenka did not go quietly, however. The Belarusian fought off four match points in the final game before hitting the net to end the match in two hours 30 minutes.

The 22-year-old from Mississauga, Ont., will face American Emma Navarro in the second round of the clay-court Grand Slam.

After the players exchanged holds over the first four games, Azarenka won the next four in convincing fashion to take the first set.

Andreescu went on a similar run to take the second set. She tied the set at 3-3 with a break to start a four-game run that tied the match at a set apiece.

Andreescu became the first Canadian to win a major singles title when she captured the 2019 U.S. Open. She has not progressed past the second round at any of the other three Grand Slams.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 30, 2023.