Bianca Andreescu claims biggest title since US Open as comeback gathers momentum

WTA
Bianca Andreescu passionaltely celebrating at the US Open
Bianca Andreescu has won her biggest title since the 2019 US Open, defeating Dominika Salkova 7-6(2), 6-2 in the final of the WTA 125 tournament in Rovereto, Italy. The Canadian recovered from a 5-2 deficit in the opening set before taking control of the match, securing another trophy in a season that has brought encouraging signs after several difficult years.
The victory represents a significant milestone for the former world No. 4, who won the US Open at 19 but has struggled to reproduce that level of success consistently. Injuries and interruptions to her career have made her return to the upper levels of the sport a prolonged process, with her latest triumph offering further evidence of progress.
Andreescu's title drought at this level had lasted more than six years. Since her breakthrough in New York in 2019, her only other singles titles had come at lower-level ITF events, including two victories in Florida earlier this year. Winning in Rovereto gives the 26-year-old her most important trophy since her Grand Slam triumph and another source of momentum heading into the final months of the season.
The result also carries immediate ranking benefits. Andreescu is projected to climb 36 places to world No. 132, improving her position as she attempts to close the gap to the top 100. With the Australian Open approaching at the start of 2027, every additional ranking point could prove important in her effort to secure direct entry into the main draw rather than having to qualify.

Andreescu rallies from difficult first set to secure title

The final against sixth seed Salkova was far from straightforward in its early stages. The Czech player established a 5-2 advantage in the opening set and moved within reach of taking the lead, leaving Andreescu needing to respond under pressure. The Canadian managed to recover the deficit, forcing a tiebreak after preventing Salkova from converting her advantage into the opening set.
Andreescu then took command of the tiebreak, winning it 7-2 to move ahead in the match. That recovery proved decisive, allowing her to begin the second set with greater confidence after navigating the most difficult phase of the final. Rather than allowing Salkova to regain control, Andreescu continued to apply pressure and gradually established a clear advantage.
AndreescuCanada
A break in the second set helped Andreescu move ahead 4-1, putting her within reach of the title. She maintained the lead before securing another break to close out the set 6-2. The straight-sets victory completed her run in Rovereto and gave her a title that stands above her other tournament wins since the US Open.
"The energy here is just so incredible," the former world No. 4 said after her victory. "I did not expect to love it so much, but I'm definitely coming back, whether it's for the tournament or for the vacation, I'm coming back for sure.
The result adds to a season in which Andreescu has already collected two ITF trophies, winning the W35 event in Bradenton and the W75 tournament in Vero Beach. She also reached the final of the WTA 125 event in Austin, although she finished runner-up on that occasion. Her latest success is therefore another step forward in a campaign built around accumulating wins and improving her ranking.

Andreescu's run to the title

RoundOpponentRankingScore
FinalDominika Salkova (CZE)1207-6, 6-2
Semi-finalLucie Havlickova (CZE)2046-3, 6-1
Quarter-finalLucrezia Stefanini (ITA)1066-2, 7-5
Round of 16Antonia Ruzic (CRO)937-5, 3-6, 7-5
Round of 32Mia Ristic (SRB)1836-2, 6-2

Australian Open qualification becomes a key target

Andreescu's ranking progress will be particularly relevant as she looks to return to the main draws of Grand Slam tournaments on a more consistent basis. Her projected rise to No. 132 moves her closer to the top 100, although she still has work to do if she is to improve her chances of direct entry into the Australian Open main draw.
The Canadian has faced a difficult route back to the majors over the past two seasons. She contested qualifying at Grand Slam tournaments on four occasions and reached the main draw only at Wimbledon this year, where she lost in the first round.
That was her sole main-draw appearance at a Grand Slam during the period, underlining the challenge she faces in translating her recent results into a sustained return to the sport's biggest stages.
At 26, Andreescu is still attempting to rebuild the consistency that once made her one of the leading players on the WTA Tour. Her victory in Rovereto does not guarantee a return to the top level, but it gives her the biggest title of her career since 2019 and a valuable ranking boost at an important point in the season.
The immediate objective will be to continue collecting points and move closer to the top 100 before the end of the year. If she can maintain her progress, Andreescu could put herself in a stronger position for the Australian Open and reduce the need to navigate qualifying rounds again. For a player whose career has been repeatedly interrupted, the Rovereto title is a tangible sign that her efforts to return to winning ways are beginning to produce results.
claps 0visitors 0
loading

Just In

Popular News

Latest Comments

Loading