Bianca Andreescu, Canada’s 2019 US Open champion, won her opening qualifying match for the French Open and drew praise for an act of sportsmanship. Andreescu defeated Daphnee Mpetshi Perricard of France 6-3, 6-2 on Court Suzanne Lenglen before consoling her emotional opponent after the match, as reported by Yardbarker.
What happened after the match?
Andreescu showed compassion for her vanquished opponent. After the victory, she noticed that Mpetshi Perricard was tearful and upset following the loss. According to Yardbarker, the Canadian player went over to her opponent, held her hand, and offered words of encouragement in a display of class.
Why is a former major champion playing qualifiers?
A series of injuries have seen Andreescu’s ranking fall, requiring her to enter the qualifying rounds for major tournaments. Since her historic US Open win as a 19-year-old, she has faced a difficult path, including a knee injury at the WTA Finals later that year and an extended absence from the tour (njsr.com.ng). The 25-year-old is now in the process of another career rebuild, competing in lower-level events and qualifiers to work her way back up the rankings.
How has Andreescu reflected on her journey?
The Canadian has spoken about the challenges that followed her sudden rise to stardom. In an interview with BBC Sport, Andreescu mentioned that she wished she had received more guidance after her Grand Slam victory at 19, a time when she felt she knew everything (Yardbarker). She noted that she is now better at asking for help and acknowledged the stark contrast between being at the top of the sport and the financial and competitive pressures of playing on the lower rungs of the professional tour.
Andreescu continues her campaign in the second round of qualifying at Roland-Garros as she aims for a spot in the main draw.
Sources
- Yardbarker: Former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu shows her class in consoling tearful vanquished French Open qualifying opponent
- njsr.com.ng: From Arthur Ashe to Roland Garros Qualifying: The Long, Painful and Quietly Heroic Comeback of Bianca Andreescu
Reported from public sources.