Kamilla Rakhimova eliminated Bianca Andreescu, the 2019 Indian Wells champion, in the first round of the BNP Paribas Open. Rakhimova’s victory sets up a second-round match against Coco Gauff.
Andreescu’s Blistering Defeat
Andreescu, a wild card entry, showed glimpses of her past form in the opening set against Rakhimova. However, blisters and a strong showing from Rakhimova led to a 6-7 (6), 6-0, 6-1 defeat for Andreescu.
Andreescu has struggled to find a tour-level win in seven months since suffering an ankle injury at Montreal. She did secure ITF W35 and W75 titles in Bradenton and Vero Beach, Florida to begin 2026.
Last week in Austin, Andreescu played her first WTA Tour match of 2026 as a wildcard, but she lost to Dalma Galfi. This was her first career match against Rakhimova, and her fourth appearance at the BNP Paribas Open.
How Rakhimova Overcame the First Set
Andreescu initially gained a 3-1 advantage after Rakhimova held serve in the first game. Rakhimova then went on a three-game run of her own, eventually forcing a tiebreak.
Rakhimova led the tiebreak 6-3 with three set points, but Andreescu fought back to win the set in 66 minutes. Andreescu had 15 winners, including six of her 12 aces, in the first set.
Rakhimova’s Dominant Response
Rakhimova responded by winning the second set in 33 minutes. It was the first time she had won a main draw tour-level set without dropping a game since the 2023 French Open.
Rakhimova said in her on-court interview that she needed to come back stronger and keep doing her thing after the first set.
Blisters Hamper Andreescu
Andreescu took a medical timeout after the second set for blisters on her left toe and foot. The blisters visibly affected Andreescu’s movement in the third set.
Rakhimova capitalised, winning 11 of the final 12 games to secure her place in the second round.
Rakhimova will now face Coco Gauff in the second round, after Gauff received a bye into the second round.