"How far can I go? Is something going to happen?": Bianca Andreescu admits underlying fear of injuries returning

Saturday, 18 July 2026 at 19:00

Bianca Andreescu has had a more arduous time than most with the now 26-year-old Canadian being a former US Open champion who has always had the underlying talent. But she just hasn't been able to stay fit.

She previously like many decided to shirk the route of playing lower ranked and smaller tournaments as she aimed to continue going on the main tour. But there does become a bit of a point where the need to play smaller tournaments begins.

She did just that but instead of WTA 125k tournaments that often have better line-ups than some tour events, it was in fact even smaller events on the ITF World Tennis Tour in W35 events before gradually working her way back up.

A bit of a culture shock for a player who has gone from scooping millions in Grand Slams to fighting for survival, Andreescu returned to the main tour in March at Indian Wells and has been playing in WTA 125 tournaments and qualifying to get anything in.

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She qualified for Wimbledon to reach the main draw of a Grand Slam for the first time since the 2024 US Open. After defeating Aliaksandra Sasnovich in the final qualifying round, she burst into tears showing just how far she'd come.

"It was really emotional. I needed to fully experience that moment," Andreescu said during a media session as per Tennis Canada. "That's why I took five minutes after the match. I thanked my team, then I just sat there alone with my thoughts."

"I qualified for my very first Grand Slam at Wimbledon nine years ago. So to do it again, but with a completely different perspective, meant a lot because, of course, I believed in myself, but there were times when I genuinely didn't think I'd make it back into the main draw of a major. There were some really difficult moments. It felt like a release of everything I'd been through to get to that point. It gives me so much encouragement."

Andreescu heads into Canada with confidence

Although she was eliminated in the first round at Wimbledon, this managed to buoy Andreescu who now heads into a vital time of year where she gets to return home. The 2019 champion has received a main draw wildcard for the Canadian Open. After suffering a serious ankle injury in Montreal last year, Andreescu has been playing nearly every week.

She said that in reality she has had a fear of getting injured again but gives credit to her team for helping in making sure that she isn't.

"My team and I have found a really good rhythm where we're serious when we need to be, but we also keep things relaxed and play games during practice. It can get pretty competitive, but that's part of what makes it fun. Dusan (Vemic) and I are both competitive, but what he brings to the team is that intellectual stimulation that I really need. He's incredibly knowledgeable, especially when it comes to tennis, and I feel like I'm learning from him every day.

Bianca Andreescu heads into Canada with confidence.

"Then there are the little daily routines I've developed. Now that I'm back on tour full-time, it was difficult at first. But I've found small moments throughout the day because, of course, tennis is important, but I'm also a human being. I make time for things outside the sport, and those moments help me maintain good mental health."

"That's been my goal ever since the injuries started piling up. In a way, it's one less thing to worry about. I was always on court with this underlying fear: 'How far can I go?' 'Is something going to happen?' I've lived through all those moments. Now I truly trust my body."

She also points towards a match with Yulia Putintseva at the Billie Jean King Cup that lasted nearly four hours in helping her know that she can get through this without being injured.

"I played an incredible match against Yulia in Kazakhstan. I think it was the longest match of my career. Of course, I was completely exhausted, but I felt like I could have kept going. It was like something came over me. Or maybe it was just all the work I'd put in. Who knows?

"That match gave me so much confidence, especially physically. Mentally as well, of course, but I think it gives me even more belief that I can finish the season strongly. Honestly, it feels like a miracle to me. Of course, there were moments when I believed it was possible, but until it actually happens, you don't really know what it feels like. Right now, I'm just incredibly grateful. And I'm ready to keep pushing forward."

Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief

Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.

Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.

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