Bianca Andreescu's fall from the top continues with another early WTA exit

Tuesday, 15 September 2026 at 08:30

Bianca Andreescu suffered another setback on the WTA Tour as she was eliminated in the first round of the Guadalajara Open by Cristina Bucsa. The Canadian started strongly but could not maintain her level, eventually falling 6-4, 6-3 to the sixth-seeded Spaniard in one hour and 37 minutes.

The defeat continues a difficult period for Andreescu, who has struggled to regain the level that once took her to the top of the women's game. Now ranked No.164 in the world, the 26-year-old has been outside the top 100 since May 2025 after a series of injuries interrupted her progress.

Bucsa, ranked No.44, secured her second career victory over Andreescu after also defeating her at the Australian Open in 2023. The Spaniard will now advance to the round of 16, where she will face Hungary's Panna Udvardy.

For Andreescu, the Guadalajara appearance was her first tournament since falling in US Open qualifying. She defeated Eva Vedder and Veronika Podrez before losing to Tamara Zidansek in the third round, leaving her one victory away from reaching the main draw.

Another difficult chapter for former US Open champion

Andreescu's recent Grand Slam record highlights how far she has fallen from the heights of her breakthrough years. Over the past two seasons, she has played Grand Slam qualifying five times and has reached the main draw only once, at Wimbledon in 2026, where she lost in the opening round to experienced Chinese player Shuai Zhang.

The Canadian has not won a Grand Slam match since Wimbledon 2024, while her last victory on the WTA Tour came at the Rome Open earlier this season against former world No.4 Sofia Kenin.

There have been some positive signs in lower-level events during 2026, however. Andreescu began the year outside the top 200 but climbed back up the rankings after winning the W35 event in Bradenton, reaching the final at W35 Weston and finishing runner-up at the WTA 125 event in Austin.

Those results offered encouragement that the former world No.4 could still work her way back towards the upper levels of the sport. But another early exit at a WTA 500 event leaves Andreescu with more questions to answer as she attempts to rebuild her career.

Guadalajara Open set to close North American swing

The Guadalajara Open brings the North American swing to a close following the US Open, with the WTA 500 event occupying one of the final spots on the calendar before the tour moves to Asia. Many of the biggest names have opted to rest after the final Grand Slam of the season, leaving a more open field in Mexico.

Marta Kostyuk arrives as the top seed after reaching the US Open fourth round, where she lost a tight three-set battle with Linda Noskova. The Ukrainian has enjoyed another strong season, including a WTA 1000 title in Madrid, and will now look to take advantage of a relatively open Guadalajara draw.

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Defending champion Iva Jovic will also be one of the players to watch after her breakthrough run in New York. The 18-year-old reached the US Open quarterfinals, defeating Alexandra Eala before falling to eventual champion Coco Gauff in straight sets. Jovic now returns to Guadalajara, where she won her maiden WTA title last year.

Both Kostyuk and Jovic received first-round byes and will begin their campaigns in the second round, alongside Sara Bejlek and Diane Parry. Former US Open champion Sloane Stephens is also in the draw after receiving a wildcard, while Alycia Parks, Peyton Stearns, Janice Tjen and Lois Boisson add further interest to the final WTA event of the North American swing.

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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