Bianca Andreescu’s attempt to qualify for the main draw at Roland-Garros has ended after a second-round loss in Paris. The 2019 US Open champion from Canada fell to Viktoria Hrunčáková, extending her absence from Grand Slam main draws as she continues to rebuild her career after significant injury setbacks, according to Yardbarker.
How did Andreescu's qualifying bid end?
Andreescu lost a three-set match to Slovakia's Viktoria Hrunčáková in the second round of the qualifying tournament. The Canadian, ranked around No. 160, won the first set in a tiebreak but ultimately lost the match after two hours and 37 minutes, as reported by Yardbarker. In her first qualifying match, Andreescu had defeated French wildcard Daphnée Mpetshi Perricard in straight sets.
Why was a former major champion in qualifying?
A series of injuries and an appendectomy have limited Andreescu's time on the court over the past few seasons, causing her ranking to fall from a career high of No. 4. According to SSBCrack News, her last Grand Slam main draw appearance was a first-round exit at the 2024 US Open. Since then, her lower ranking has required her to enter the qualifying rounds of major tournaments.
What is Andreescu's comeback strategy?
The Canadian has spent the early part of the 2026 season playing on the lower-tier ITF circuit to regain match fitness and confidence. She told RolandGarros.com that she had previously let her "ego" prevent her from dropping down to that level, but accepted it as a necessary step. The strategy yielded results, including titles at a W35 event in Bradenton and a WTA 125 tournament in Austin, according to Tennisuptodate.com.
Andreescu noted the high level of motivation among players on the ITF circuit, where competitors often struggle to break even financially. She expressed admiration for the athletes grinding at that level, telling SSBCrack News that the tour is not "Mickey Mouse compared to the WTA Tour."
This marks the second consecutive year Andreescu has been eliminated in the qualifying stages of the French Open. She is expected to shift her focus to the grass court season, with her next tournament likely being the qualifying event in Birmingham ahead of Wimbledon, reports Yardbarker.
Sources
- Yardbarker: Bianca Andreescu falls short in Paris: Roland Garros qualifying defeat extends Grand Slam main draw struggles. Publication date: 2026-05-20.
- Tennisuptodate.com: “I knew deep down I was supposed to be at those ITFs”: Bianca Andreescu on rebuilding her career step by step. Publication date: 2026-05-20.
- SSBCrack News: Andreescu Returns to ITF Circuit After Injury Struggles and Ranking Drop. Publication date: 2026-05-19.
Reported from public sources.