With her "never-giving-up attitude", Andreescu posts 16th straight win

US Open champion Bianca Andreescu added another chapter to her resilient run of form on Wednesday, advancing past Elise Mertens, 6-3, 7-6 (6), in the second round of the China Open for her 16th consecutive match win.

“She played a really good game at 6-5 on my serve. But I bounced back in the tiebreaker,” Andreescu reflected on-court in a post-match interview. “We both kept fighting. It was a really tough battle. The match could have gone either way. I’m just happy with my never-giving-up attitude.”

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In a replay of their Flushing Meadows quarterfinal, the two opened the Beijing clash by exchanging four breaks. Mertens had an opportunity to open up a 5-1 lead in the second set, and also held a set point with the Canadian serving at 4-5. She couldn’t find a solution on the biggest points, ones that Andreescu has mainly owned throughout her 2019 season.

Andreescu had her share of spotty moments, which included failing to shut the door with the match on her racquet. The two exchanged a pair of grueling exchanges early in the tiebreaker, with each showcasing tremendous defense to one-up the other. Andreescu was unafraid to let out her emotions and rose to the occasion to come out on top in straight sets.

The world No. 6 is looking to win her third title in a row, having tasted victory at her home event in Toronto before winning her first major trophy in New York. She will next meet qualifier Jennifer Brady. Down a set and a break, the American rallied past 11th-seeded countrywoman Madison Keys, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.