Seeking her first title since the 2019 US Open, Bianca Andreescu was stopped by Liudmila Samsonova in the final of the Libema Open. The Russian second seed overcame a set deficit to defeat Andreescu 4-6 6-3 7-5, just hours after triumphing over two-time defending champion Ekaterina Alexandrova in the semifinals.
The world No.15 Samsonova breezed through the first three rounds of the WTA 250 tournament in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, securing straight-set victories over Alison Van Uytvanck, Celine Naef, and Greet Minnen. Third seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, aiming for her third consecutive title at the grass-court event, presented a formidable challenge in the semifinals. Alexandrova won the second set in a tiebreak and forced a decider after saving two match points. Due to rain, the thrilling semifinal was postponed to the next day, but Samsonova swiftly halted Alexandrova’s run on Sunday, losing just one game in the third set to claim a 6-3 6-7(1) 6-1 victory.
Returning to the court for the final, Samsonova started slowly, allowing Andreescu to break twice and secure the opening set. However, the Russian rallied in the second set, taking an early 3-0 lead and eventually winning it on her third set point. In the decider, Andreescu fought back, leveling the score at 4-4 and saving three break points to lead 5-4. Samsonova remained undeterred, responding with a dominant hold and breaking Andreescu once more to serve out the victory.
Andreescu was competing in just her second tournament since being sidelined for nine months with a back injury. Her previous Hologic WTA Tour final appearance was on grass at the 2022 Bad Homburg Open.
The Libema Open title is Samsonova’s fifth on the Hologic WTA Tour and her second on grass, her first being at Berlin in 2021.
