Bianca Andreescu became one of tennis’ brightest stars when she defeated Serena Williams to win the US Open in 2019 at just 19 years old.
The Canadian lifted her maiden Grand Slam title amid scenes of celebration at Arthur Ashe Stadium after also winning Indian Wells and the Canadian Open earlier that season.
At the time, Andreescu looked destined to dominate women’s tennis for years.
Injuries and long absences halted momentum
However, injuries soon derailed her career. Knee, abdomen and ankle problems repeatedly forced Andreescu away from the court, while the Covid-19 pandemic added to her absence from competition.
She did not return to action until February 2021 after spending 16 months away from tennis.
Andreescu admitted she struggled to adapt to life after becoming a Grand Slam champion at such a young age.
“I wish I had a little bit more guidance after the US Open,” the 25-year-old told BBC Sport.
Her ranking dropped dramatically from world number four in 2019 to 228 earlier this year after failing to progress beyond the fourth round of a Grand Slam since her New York triumph.
Return to lower-tier tennis helped rebuild confidence
Earlier this year, Bianca Andreescu decided to step away from the main WTA Tour and compete in lower-level ITF tournaments to rebuild her game and fitness.
The former US Open champion played W35 and W75 events, where prize money and facilities are far smaller than those on the main tour.
Andreescu said the experience reminded her how difficult life can be for players trying to survive in professional tennis.
“The hunger the women had that I was playing against, every match was so difficult,” she said.
She went on to win titles at ITF level, including a W35 tournament in Bradenton, Florida, and described the success as finally “breaking the curse”.
Physical and mental recovery proving successful
Andreescu revealed she played 14 matches in 16 days during her comeback run and was pleased with how her body responded after years of setbacks.
Coach Dusan Vemic believes she has evolved as a player and is now competing with a more aggressive style.
Vemic, who previously worked with Novak Djokovic, described Andreescu as “an artist on the tennis court”.
The Canadian is now ranked 137th in the world and has returned to French Open qualifying as she attempts to re-establish herself among the elite players in women’s tennis.
Andreescu finding balance beyond tennis
Away from the court, Andreescu has focused on charity work, spirituality, writing and music as part of her personal growth.
She explained that constantly focusing only on tennis negatively affected her mental state earlier in her career.
Andreescu now uses meditation and mindfulness practices to remain grounded while competing on tour.
Despite everything she has endured since her breakthrough triumph in New York, the Canadian still believes she can return to the top of the sport.
“I’ve done it once – I know I can do it again,” she said.
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