Bianca Andreescu is through to the quarter-finals of the China Open following a straightforward 6-1, 6-3 win over qualifier Jennifer Brady of the United States.

Andreescu came flying out of the gates in the first set, breaking the Brady serve with ease to earn an immediate score advantage. Playing with the same free-flowing, fearless brand that has seen her notch an undefeated streak of 16 matches in a row, the 19-year-old US Open champion blitzed her American opponent in the first set, claiming it with the loss of just one game after 34 minutes.

But the second set was a much tighter contest. During an inter-set coaching consult, Brady was encouraged by her coach to be more explosive with her footwork and serve, which she executed to immediate effect. The qualifier would be able to generate multiple break points in the No. 5-seeded Canadian’s first three service games, while holding her own with relative ease.

Second-set dips have been a feature of the Andreescu win streak, but the Mississauga native was certain not to let this one cost her the set. In the pivotal seventh game of the set, Andreescu elicited a few loose errors from Brady with changes of pace and aggressive return positioning before capitalizing on her first opportunity for the decisive break.

One service game later, and the contest was finished.

17 was the lucky number for Andreescu on the night, as she finished the match with both 17 winners and 17 unforced errors… for her 17th consecutive tour-level win.

Up next is a showdown with the player from whom she inherited the US Open title this year – former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka, who is looking forward to their encounter:

Meanwhile, Félix Auger-Aliassime was unable to repeat his compatriot’s success in the men’s singles round of 16. Facing second-seed Alexander Zverev of Germany, the Canadian fell to a 6-3, 6-1 defeat. Zverev will now take on Sam Querrey of the United States in the quarter-finals.

(Feature photo: China Open)

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