Thai injury drama bursts Bianca bubble

Injury-prone Bianca Andreescu turned in another disappointing result on Saturday as she was forced to quit in the second set against Lesia Tsurenko, handing the Ukrainian a 7-5, 4-0 place in the final of the WTA Hua Hin event.

The Canadian who won the US Open in 2019 then missed the entire 2020 season with physical problems, was unable to continue to to a right shoulder problem which required a trainer on court as she trailed after what was the penultimate game.

No. 136 outsider Tsurenko who will play her first final in four years, taking on China’s Zhu Lin on Sunday at the Thai beach resort where the country’s royalty traditionally holiday.

Tsurenko will aim for her fifth career trophy after advancing when Andreescu quit hurt after 95 minutes on a steaming, humid court.

Andreescu, who has a history of fitness problems and long absences from the Tour, led 5-3 in the opening set and also served for it before her game faded away with the injury.  

The No. 42 ended with a massive 37 unforced errors, lost serve six times and looked to be in serious pain while being treated near the end by the trainer.

Tsurenko was pleased with her own effort despite the premature ending.

“I was fighting and telling myself that I could do it,” the 33-year-old Australian Open qualifier said.

“It’s unfortunate she had to retire, but it was a great match.”

Tsurenko, who swept the final eight games against Andreescu, called upcoming opponent Zhu “dangerous”

“The final wil be a big fight, But I’m super-happy I made it there. I’m really excited to be in the final.”

She beat the Chinese in their only previous meeting, Dubai in 2019.

Main photo:- Lesia Tsurenko beats Bianca Andreescu by WTATennis.com