ALAS! Bianca Andreescu Knocked Out of Cincinnati Open 2021 by Karolina Muchova

The Western and Southern Open 2021 is underway in full swing. Ahead of the US Open, players are looking to gain some much-needed fitness and momentum. On Wednesday, former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu was in action. She took on Karolina Muchova in the Round of 32. It was a tight match, but the 7th seed crashed out 6-4 6-2.

Muchova gets off to solid start against Andreescu

Both players were looking for a strong start in this battle of the powerhouses. It was the Czech player who was in control for most of the set, dictating the rhythm of points. She served 3 aces as compared to none from the World No.8. In addition, she also saved many break points on her own serve, and converted when she was returning.

Bianca was struggling on serve, particularly the first serve. She managed to win under 50% on her first serve, which was underwhelming. Muchova on the other hand, made the Canadian cover the corners and extracted unforced errors. Though her second serve was being attacked, she landed many first serves and won over 80% of them. This resulted in her taking the first set 6-4.

Canadian No.1 looks to make comeback, falls short

In the second set, Andreescu attempted to call the shots. However, her first serves refused to give her any free points. The Czech star was nailing her ground strokes every time the rallies went longer. Her service games were quick, short and accurate. This meant that the young Canadian barely had a chance on the Muchova serve, quickly going down a double break.

As the pressure increased on the higher seed, she had to change her style. Bianca tried to play a safer game instead of looking for the lines on every shot. This resulted in her recovering one break, and staying within touching distance at 2-4. But she needed to get through her own service games. And she was under pressure again, as she went toe-to-toe with the physically dominant Muchova. She failed to nail her 1-2 punches, as the 2021 Australian Open semifinalist broke right back. Serving to close out the match, Muchova made no mistakes, sending the Canadian Grand Slam winner packing.

READ MORE: Former Coach Explains How Roger Federer Would Not Make Physical Injuries an ‘Excuse’

It was yet another disappointing campaign for Bianca Andreescu. She will now head to the US Open which kicks off at the end of the month. How far do you see the 2019 winner going this year?