Kamilla Rakhimova staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Bianca Andreescu 6-7(6), 6-0, 6-1 in the first round at WTA Indian Wells on Thursday. After dropping a tight opening set tiebreak, Rakhimova dominated the final two sets, winning 12 of the last 13 games while converting 7 of 13 break point opportunities to Andreescu’s 1 of 6.
The match pivoted dramatically after the first set. Andreescu struck 12 aces and held a narrow edge in the tiebreak, but her serve collapsed thereafter. Rakhimova won 70% of points on her first serve and a staggering 65% on her second serve, while Andreescu managed just 39% on her second delivery — a fatal discrepancy that left the Canadian unable to hold serve in the second set and vulnerable throughout the third.
Rakhimova’s relentless return game and superior consistency from the baseline proved decisive. Despite winning the opening set, Andreescu finished with 27 fewer total points won (72 to Rakhimova’s 99), a testament to how thoroughly the momentum shifted once Rakhimova found her rhythm.
Key Takeaways
- Rakhimova won 65% of points on her second serve compared to Andreescu’s woeful 39%, a 26-percentage-point gap that proved insurmountable once the Canadian’s first serve lost effectiveness.
- Despite Andreescu’s 12 aces to Rakhimova’s 1, the Russian won 27 more total points (99-72), illustrating how serve power alone couldn’t compensate for inconsistent returns and hold percentages.
- Break point conversion defined the match: Rakhimova capitalized on more than half her opportunities (7 of 13), while Andreescu managed just 1 of 6, unable to sustain pressure after the first set.
- The second set bagel marked a complete tactical reset — Rakhimova won all 24 points on her first serve in sets two and three combined, giving Andreescu no openings to recover.
Player Analysis
Kamilla Rakhimova
Rakhimova’s performance was a masterclass in resilience and tactical adjustment. After losing a competitive first set tiebreak, she elevated her return game to suffocating levels, breaking Andreescu seven times while losing serve just once more. Her second serve became a weapon — winning 65% of those points is elite-level tennis, especially against a player of Andreescu’s caliber. The Russian’s ability to flip the script so completely suggests both mental fortitude and superior fitness as the match wore on.
What stood out most was her ruthless efficiency once she seized momentum. Winning 12 of the final 13 games isn’t just dominance; it’s the mark of a player who recognized her opponent’s vulnerabilities and exploited them without hesitation. If Rakhimova can maintain this level of return consistency, she could be a dangerous floater in the Indian Wells draw.
Bianca Andreescu
Andreescu’s collapse after winning the first set raises troubling questions about her current form and fitness. Her 12 aces kept her competitive early, but once Rakhimova began reading her serve patterns, the Canadian had no Plan B. Winning just 39% of second serve points is unsustainable at this level, and her inability to convert break points (1 of 6) meant she couldn’t capitalize on Rakhimova’s four double faults.
The second set bagel and near-bagel third set suggest either a physical issue or a complete loss of confidence. Andreescu has shown in the past that she can produce brilliant tennis, but consistency remains elusive. This first-round exit at a Premier Mandatory event will do nothing to quiet concerns about her ability to string together deep runs at major tournaments.
Match Statistics
| Kamilla Rakhimova | Stat | Bianca Andreescu |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aces | 12 |
| 4 | Double Faults | 5 |
| 62% | 1st Serve % | 60% |
| 70% | 1st Serve Points Won | 59% |
| 65% | 2nd Serve Points Won | 39% |
| 7/13 | Break Points Won | 1/6 |
| 99 | Total Points Won | 72 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Kamilla Rakhimova vs Bianca Andreescu at Indian Wells 2026?
Kamilla Rakhimova defeated Bianca Andreescu 6-7(6), 6-0, 6-1 in the first round at WTA Indian Wells on March 5, 2026.
How many break points did Rakhimova convert against Andreescu?
Kamilla Rakhimova converted 7 of 13 break point opportunities, while Bianca Andreescu managed just 1 of 6, a decisive gap in the match outcome.
What was Andreescu’s second serve percentage won?
Bianca Andreescu won only 39% of points on her second serve, compared to Kamilla Rakhimova’s 65%, which proved to be a critical difference after the first set.
How many aces did Bianca Andreescu hit against Rakhimova?
Bianca Andreescu struck 12 aces in the match, significantly more than Rakhimova’s 1, though it wasn’t enough to secure the victory after the first set tiebreak.
What’s Next
Rakhimova advances to the second round at Indian Wells, where she will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent. For Andreescu, it’s back to the practice court to address the glaring second serve and break point conversion issues that undid her after a promising start.
Follow all results: WTA Indian Wells 2026.
