Andreescu on her crisis turned lethargy: "I am no longer the same person I was in 2019"

Bianca Andreescu returns to the WTA 1000 in Toronto with the hope of reuniting with the tournament that marked one of the most important moments of her career. The 26-year-old Canadian received a wildcard to compete in the main draw and approaches the event with the goal of continuing to build a reconstruction that still seeks to bring her back to the elite of the circuit.

Seven years after that unforgettable 2019 season, in which she won Indian Wells, the Canada Open, and the US Open, Andreescu acknowledges that she is no longer trying to recover the player she was back then. In the tournament's Media Day, she explained how her approach to tennis has changed, what she has learned from competing in ITF and Challenger tournaments, and what the current state of her career is.

Bianca Andreescu's statements before the WTA 1000 in Toronto 2026

Putting 2019 behind to build a new version of herself

The tournament champion in 2019 stated that for a long time she sought to become that player who burst onto the circuit, although now her focus is completely different.

"I don't think there's a rule on how to approach that. What has helped me the most is stopping to ask myself how to be that player again. Now I think about what I can learn from that stage and who I am in 2026."

"A lot has happened since then. I am no longer the same person. In 2019, it was my first full year on the circuit, and I only thought about playing tennis. Now I try to recreate those results as a different person."

Andreescu explained that one of the biggest changes has come off the court, regaining a passion she had lost during the more challenging years of her career.

"I feel that I have regained that joy, which was probably what I struggled with the most throughout these years. The team I have now has helped me a lot to enjoy the process again, and I hope that translates into victories as well."

The importance of returning to smaller tournaments and feeling healthy again

After several physical issues and competing for months in ITF and WTA 125 tournaments, the Canadian believes that this experience has been much more enriching than many imagine.

"What I have learned is that the level in those tournaments is very high. I don't want people to think that just because they are a 75K, 125, or a Challenger, the level is lower. All my matches have been very tough."

"The big difference is in the environment. Here you have television, media, big stadiums... There everything is different. But to me, it was returning to my roots because that's where I started. I never felt out of place."

The former US Open champion believes that this journey has confirmed that she can compete in any setting.

"I learned a lot about myself. I know I can play in any environment and against any opponent. I always try to put forth my best version, whether in a $75,000 tournament or a Grand Slam."

Additionally, she arrives in Toronto with a feeling that is particularly important to her.

"I feel good. I am completely healthy, which was my main priority. I'm also happy and feel that I'm managing everything happening around me very well, both in my career and my personal life. I'm ready to compete."

Returning home and her admiration for Alexandra Eala

Andreescu also spoke about the special significance of returning to compete in Toronto, the city where she grew up and started playing tennis.

"This is my home. I've been training on these courts for almost my entire life. Being able to come back with a wildcard makes me feel very grateful."

"I remember coming many times as a spectator and watching Serena Williams, Simona Halep, or Kim Clijsters play. Now sharing those same courts with players like that is still something very special. Win or lose, the experience always has a lot of value for me."

The Canadian also had a few words for Alexandra Eala, with whom she maintains a good relationship since they met at a tournament in Thailand and considers one of the great promises of the circuit.

"I always want to extend a hand to the new generations if they need help. I met Alexandra in Thailand, and from the very first moment, she seemed like a lovely girl. I saw her play and thought, 'This girl is very good.'"

"She has done an incredible job. She is a very authentic person, very honest, and she also has a very combative playing style. Although, honestly, I don't think she needs my help. She is doing things really well, and I wish her the best."

With a new perspective, a better physical state, and the peace of having regained her love for competition, Bianca Andreescu approaches the WTA 1000 in Toronto convinced that she no longer needs to chase the player she was in 2019. Her true objective now is to build a different version of herself, capable of competing among the best without carrying the constant weight of her past.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Andreescu, sobre su crisis convertida en letargo: "Ya no soy la misma persona que en 2019"