Andreescu surprises everyone with a spinning volley at the US Open

NEW YORK — Bianca Andreescu could only laugh. The 2019 U.S. Open champion was battling No. 5 seed Jasmine Paolini in the first round when she hit a spinning reflex volley with such backspin that the ball bounced back on her side of the net and became the clear winner.

Serving with a break advantage in the first set, Andreescu was caught in the net by a short return from Paolini. The Canadian went for a hard cross-court forehand and followed the ball into the net, but Paolini hit a long forehand pass that should have been enough to win the point.

But not against Andreescu.

Andreescu anticipated the attack and attempted a one-handed backhand that struck the ball perfectly. Andreescu turned a full 360 degrees to regain her balance and the ball flew over the net and before Paolini could find an answer, it spun back to Andreescu’s side and was the decisive hit.

Andreescu’s reaction said it all:

The 24-year-old put her hands on her hips and doubled over with laughter. And despite the tense phase of the match, Paolini showed an impressed smile as she walked to the baseline to take the next point.

Andreescu’s reaction was reminiscent of another notable lunchtime winner, this one against Garbiñe Muguruza at the 2021 Miami Open:

Andreescu’s brilliant performance was needed to win a tight first set against fifth-seeded Paolini, but the Italian won the match 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 to secure her third straight victory over the Canadian. Indeed, Paolini has proven to be a tough opponent for Andreescu, knocking her out of the last three Grand Slams.