Kostyuk saved three match points and eliminated Andreescu in a thrilling match at the DC Open

Marta Kostyuk defeated Bianca Andreescu in the first round of the DC Open with a score of 2-6, 6-3, 7-6(5).

One of the most exciting first-round matches at the WTA 500 DC Open took place between former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu and world No. 34 Marta Kostyuk.

The Ukrainian started by conceding her service in the first game, giving an early advantage to Andreescu, who held her own service and secured another break in the seventh game, winning the first set 6-2.

The Canadian had a 76% first-serve accuracy, winning 74% of them, displaying strength in her serve, although she had to save three break points against her during the set.

In the second set, Kostyuk raised her level and achieved an early break in the second game, quickly taking a 3-0 lead. Andreescu fought back to level at 3-3 but again struggled with her serve, ultimately losing the set 6-3.

In the deciding set, nerves and tension affected both players' serving. They appeared visibly frustrated after exchanges, especially when Andreescu nearly hit her opponent with the ball twice during rallies.

With both athletes exchanging breaks, the match reached a 4-4 tie, and Andreescu had to save three break points to maintain her serve and regain the lead in the set. Kostyuk saved a match point against her in the tenth game and two more in the twelfth to extend the match to a tie-break.

In the decisive moment, Kostyuk displayed more aggression and precision than Andreescu, playing a fantastic final stretch of the match, securing the victory with a score of 2-6, 6-3, 7-6(5).

With this result, Andreescu will face the second seed, Caroline Garcia, who had a bye in the first round. After her disappointing performance in Washington, Andreescu will need to prepare for her participation in the Canadian Open, where she received a wild card for the main draw.

The Canadian player was the champion at the WTA 1000 Canadian Open in 2019 when it was held in Toronto, defeating Serena Williams in a short final as the 23-time Grand Slam champion retired while trailing 3-1 in the first set.