Bianca Andreescu battling back issues ahead of next week's National Bank Open

Canadian tennis star Bianca Andreescu remains confident she’ll be healthy and ready to compete in next week’s National Bank Open (Rogers Cup) in Toronto, despite back issues that slowed her down in a match Tuesday.

After losing 4-6 2-6 in the first round to American Shelby Rogers at the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic in San Jose, the Mississauga native said she had been suffering from lower back pain for several days, and was scheduled to undergo an MRI.

“That was a tough match for me yesterday in San Jose,” Andreescu, 22, said in a short statement, which she shared through Tennis Canada on Wednesday.

“I felt a bit of discomfort but I am now on my way back home to Toronto this morning and going to get ready to play next week on Tuesday night. Can’t wait to see you all out there!”

Throughout the match against Rogers, the 2019 US Open champion was forced to take several medical timeouts to get treatment. Andreescu is ranked 54th on this year’s WTA list.

The National Bank Open will take place in Toronto from Aug. 6 to 14, after two years of absence due to the pandemic.

Katie Spellman with the National Bank Open said the tournament’s official draw ceremony will be held Friday at the CN Tower, with World No.1 Iga Swiatek from Poland and Montreal native Leylah Fernandez taking part.