“I really had to sit with all my emotions”: Bianca Andreescu opens up on five-day silent retreat during US Open comeback
WTAThursday, 27 August 2026 at 08:30
Bianca Andreescu is one win away from returning to the US Open main draw after another dominant victory in qualifying at Flushing Meadows. The 2019 champion defeated No. 24 seed Katerina Siniakova 6-0, 6-3 on Wednesday to reach the final round.
Andreescu had already opened her campaign with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Eva Vedder, leaving her just one match away from a return to the tournament where she produced the biggest achievement of her career.
The Canadian's ranking has dropped to No. 183 in the live rankings, and her recent Grand Slam record reflects the difficult road back. She missed the 2025 US Open because of injury, while her last appearance in the main draw came in 2024, when she lost in the first round.
Now, after years of injuries and inconsistent opportunities, Andreescu has put herself in position to earn another chance at Flushing Meadows. Her comeback, however, has involved considerably more than simply playing tennis.
Andreescu's unusual journey away from tennis
Speaking to Tennis Channel after her latest victory, Andreescu discussed some of the experiences she pursued during periods away from competition. Among them was a five-day silent retreat, an experience that proved particularly challenging for someone who describes herself as an overthinker who loves to talk.
“It's definitely not for the weak, but I push through," Andreescu said to Tennis Channel. "I mean, when you're in that environment, it's easier because everybody else is doing it. But when you think about it, you're like, there's no way I can do it."
The retreat forced her to spend five days without being able to rely on the usual outlet of conversation or other people's advice.
“You definitely think a lot without being able to express yourself," she explained. "So it's very interesting because I'm very much an overthinker and I love to talk. So that was basically bringing me into the opposite of who I am, which was very interesting because I had to kind of figure it out myself."
“I tend to seek other people's advice a lot of the times, but I really had to sit with all my emotions and my thoughts and kind of figure out in a way like you think about your dreams and what your purpose is in life and things like that.”
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Andreescu has also explored what she described as the more spiritual and esoteric side of life, including other retreats and past-life regression therapy.
“I feel like my coach likes to say I'm an apprentice of life, which I mean, I'm flattered, but I like that in a way where it's like I'm curious about so many other things outside of my sport, which makes me curious and adventurous. So I like to try different things,” she said.
Those experiences have ultimately changed how she views tennis itself. “I’m just super happy with having that experience because it made me appreciate being on the court a little bit more,” Andreescu added.
Bianca Andreescu played the US Open main draw for the last time back in 2024. She lost in first round against Jasmine Paolini.
One win from another US Open opportunity
Andreescu has also taken a pragmatic approach to rebuilding her career, dropping down to the Challenger level earlier this season to get the matches her body and game needed.
“I played like 15 matches in three weeks, which I haven't done in years," she said. "So that was a good test for my body and my mind. And it definitely gave me confidence going into the WTA events."
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The Canadian acknowledged that the Challenger environment is different, but believes the experience was valuable after spending so much time away from regular competition.
Her ranking means she has had to take the qualifying route at the US Open, but Andreescu has embraced it rather than viewing it as a setback.
“Obviously, my ranking isn't where I want it, but it's where it is now. And I just have to deal with that. And if that means playing qualies, I mean, a Grand Slam is a Grand Slam, right?” Andreescu said.
“So if I can earn my way through, which I think feels better in a way, of course, getting the wild card is nice. But I think earning your way through just feels a little bit different. So I'm happy to also get some matches in because my hardcourt season hasn't started off the best.”
Andreescu's next challenge is Tamar Zidansek, the former Roland Garros semifinalist, in Thursday's final qualifying round. Victory would take the 2019 champion back into the US Open main draw for the first time since 2024.
After everything that has happened since her breakthrough triumph in New York, Andreescu is now just one win from another opportunity on the biggest stage.
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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