Bianca Andreescu is expected to make her return to the Tour at the WTA 500 Merida Open Akron after receiving a wildcard for the Mexican tournament held in the final week of February. The Canadian had planned to start her season at the ASB Classic but withdrew at the last moment, also pulling out of the Australian Open.
When news broke about Andreescu’s new physical issues, there was no clarity on how long her recovery would take. However, the 2019 US Open champion has been announced as part of the line-up in Mérida, a tournament that has been elevated to WTA 500 status this year.
The event takes place a week before the Sunshine Double, with Indian Wells and the Miami Open presenting significant challenges at that stage of the season. Andreescu, currently ranked World No. 129, is unlikely to gain direct entry into the Sunshine Double tournaments.
Nonetheless, securing wildcards might not be an issue for Andreescu, given her past success at these events. She won the Indian Wells title in 2019 and reached the Miami Open final in 2021. As a former Grand Slam champion, Andreescu is undoubtedly an attractive choice for tournament organizers to offer her one of their invitations.
Andreescu is the second player confirmed for the tournament, following the recent announcement of World No. 12 Paula Badosa’s participation. The defending champion is Turkish player Zeynep Sonmez, currently ranked World No. 93. The 21-year-old won her first professional title in the Mexican city a year ago.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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