Andreescu Returns In Loaded Beijing Field

This week in Beijing, Bianca Andreescu will make her first appearance on a tennis court since her incredible US Open title.

“Well, I’m feeling pretty confident,” Andreescu said. “I’ve been having some really good practices lately. I had a good training week in Toronto and in Montreal. Now here.

“I got here four days ago, and I’ve been practicing really well. So I’m feeling pretty confident.”

The 19-year-old Canadian will be joined by star-studded cast missing only Serena Williams and Johanna Konta.

Andreescu plays her first match against Aliaksandra Sansonovich. She could face Madison Keys in the third round, Asian No. 1 Naomi Osaka in the quarters and former runner-up Simona Halep in the semifinals.

“I would really want to make the Finals,” Osaka said. “I kind of organized the next month of my schedule based around it. Definitely that’s my goal.

“But at the same time, I don’t want to think too much into the future. I have to think about the matches that I have to play here. I guess it’s like one of those things where time will tell. I just have to focus on the people I’m playing at this tournament.”

Halep is projected to face Wuhan champion Aryna Sabalenka in the third round. She was slated to battle Karolina Pliskova in the quarters, but the Czech was upset in the first round by Jelena Ostapenko.

The top half is led by World No. 1 Ash Barty along with Sloane Stephens, Angelique Kerber and Petra Kvitova.

The 39-year-old Venus Williams already advanced over Wimbledon semifinalist Belinda Bencic. She’ll now face Belinda Bencic.

Last year, Wozniacki beat Anastasija Sevastova in the final.

The event is one of four Premier Mandatory level WTA events during the season. Seven different women have won the tournament the last seven years.