Bianca Andreescu has been awarded a main-draw wildcard at the Canadian Open following a comeback that has seen the 26-year-old return to competitive tennis after years sidelined by injuries and surgery. Andreescu, who reached as high as No. 4 in the world rankings, is currently ranked No. 180 and is working to rebuild her game and fitness.
How did Andreescu's comeback begin?
The Canadian started this season competing on the second-tier ITF circuit, where she claimed titles at Bradenton and Vero Beach in Florida. She returned to the WTA Tour at the end of February and has since competed in several tournaments, most recently losing in the first round at Wimbledon.
What is Andreescu's connection to the Canadian Open?
Andreescu won the Canadian Open in 2019, defeating Serena Williams in the final when Williams retired due to back spasms. That same year, at age 19, Andreescu defeated the 23-times Grand Slam champion Williams in straight sets at the U.S. Open final, becoming the first Canadian player to win a Grand Slam title.
How does Andreescu reflect on that U.S. Open victory?
Nearly seven years after the 2019 U.S. Open final, Andreescu said she still feels conflicted about denying Williams a 24th major title. According to reporting by The Straits Times, Andreescu noted that Williams offered "very sweet" words after the match and praised the 44-year-old for returning to competitive tennis last month, nearly four years after her retirement. "To come back at her age obviously is not easy," Andreescu said. "But she's definitely becoming even more of a trailblazer than she already is to do something like that."
What is Andreescu's outlook for the remainder of the season?
Andreescu expressed confidence in her recent consistency and health improvements, stating she feels "beyond grateful" for her ability to compete again. She said she is ready to "finish the season off strong" as she continues her return to form.
Sources
- The Straits Times: Andreescu reflects on past triumphs over Williams ahead of Canadian Open. Published 2026-07-09.
Reported from public sources.