Bianca Andreescu is relishing an extended rivalry with Naomi Osaka after their first match went to three riveting sets in the China Open quarter-finals.
The 19-year-old Canadian was upbeat despite squandering a one-set lead, Osaka reining in the US Open champion for a 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 victory in Beijing.
The first instalment between two of tennis´s brightest young talents did not disappoint.
"I was really excited," said the world number six Andreescu, whose ascent into the women´s elite has been breathtaking -- she was ranked 240th this time last year.
"I think I was more focused than usual, it´s usually like that when I play top players.
"I think we´re going to have many matches like this.
"Our game styles are pretty different, but they level up pretty equally."
Friday´s defeat brought an end to Andreescu´s run of 17 wins on the spin, but she said she felt she was playing better than when she stunned Serena Williams in the US Open final.
"I put on a fight. Honestly, it could have gone either way," she said.
"It was just some points here and there. I really fought, especially in that last game.
"Holy cra*, that was crazy."
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