After Bianca Andreescu’s disappointing defeat, Tuesday night’s National Bank Open held another surprise for tennis fans as Caroline Garcia lost as the first seeder.
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The event’s fifth-place finisher fell behind too many times in her second-round encounter against Marie Bouzkova, 37th in the world, losing her flag on Rogers Court 6-4, 4-6 and 6-2.
The 25-year-old Czech wasted no time, winning quickly in the opening round and taking the lead in the middle set before Garcia found his feet a bit.
Bouzkova was undeterred and took a 5-0 lead in the finals, too far behind for the 29-year-old Frenchwoman.
Below expectations
Garcia was hoping to restart his season in front of his Montreal fans. She had come to Quebec with a positive attitude, having also been frustrated on her first outing in Washington last week.
The sixth player in the world to start the season in the fourth division has yet to win a trophy this season. His inconsistent game is also criticized by the French, who currently have little to eat in tennis.
Garcia will have vital points to defend over the next few weeks as she triumphed in Cincinnati last year before reaching the semifinals in New York.
Azarenka injured
A few hours earlier, Belarusian Victoria Azarenka, 16th favorite in Montreal, had ka withdrawn, a blow to the abdominal muscles.
“Dear fans, it is with regret that I have to announce bad news. During my warm up for tonight’s game [mardi face à l’Américaine Sloane Stephens], an ongoing injury that I thought had healed has returned and I have to withdraw from the tournament. I wish the event the success it deserves and good luck to Sloane for the rest of the competition. I love Montreal and can’t wait to come back!”
Madison Keys from the USA also had to retire because of a buttock injury. Number 13 on the seeding list spoiled the evening for her compatriot Venus Williams the day before.