“Tennis will leave me one day”: Bianca Andreescu turns to music amid 2026 rebuild

Bianca Andreescu has added a new dimension to her 2026 season, revealing that she has returned to creating music as part of a broader effort to balance life during her ongoing comeback. The former US Open champion said she has been uploading tracks to SoundCloud, describing the process as a way to disconnect from the demands of the tour.

The Canadian, who reached a career-high ranking of World No. 4, framed the creative outlet as part of a wider shift in perspective following a series of injury setbacks that have interrupted her progression in recent seasons. Rather than focusing exclusively on results, Andreescu has prioritised personal development and stability away from competition.

That approach comes as she attempts to rebuild her ranking and consistency on court. Andreescu recorded her first WTA main-draw win since July 2025 at the Charleston Open 2026, recovering from a one-sided opening set to defeat Dalma Galfi 1-6, 6-4, 6-1 in the first round.

Currently ranked around World No. 140 after starting the year outside the top 200, Andreescu has constructed her return largely through the ITF circuit, where she has collected titles and match wins to regain competitive rhythm before re-entering higher-level events.

Andreescu explained that her interest in music and other pursuits has played a central role in maintaining perspective during a period defined by injuries and limited match play. She pointed to the importance of having outlets beyond tennis, particularly given the uncertainty that has characterised her career trajectory in recent years.

“I’m very into the spirituality and the esoteric stuff of life," she admitted to Tennis Channel. "And I also love music, so I’ve been creating my own music on SoundCloud. I started back in 2020, but I started again. It’s a nice outlet to get away from all the craziness sometimes.”

She also emphasised the value of relationships and long-term balance, noting that her priorities have evolved beyond immediate performance outcomes. That broader view has influenced how she approaches both success and setbacks. “At the end of the day, tennis is going to leave me. But the relationships you have, the people in your life, are very important. So I’ve been focusing on that as well.”

The shift in mindset reflects lessons drawn from time away due to injury, which Andreescu described as formative in shaping her current outlook. “My injury last year opened my eyes so much, and I met so many incredible people. If it wasn’t for that injury, I wouldn’t have met those people.”

Andreescu’s on-court strategy has mirrored that off-court recalibration, with a deliberate decision to compete extensively at ITF level in order to rebuild match fitness and confidence. Titles at W35 and W75 events, along with a strong win-loss record in early 2026, have underpinned her gradual climb back up the rankings.

She described the approach as intentional, prioritising volume and implementation over immediate success on the main tour. “Honestly, I thought it was a great decision. I had no expectations, winning or losing. My goal was to really just get as many matches in as possible and implement what I’ve been working on with my new coach, Dushan, in practice, in matches.”

While results at lower-tier events offer limited ranking points compared to WTA tournaments, Andreescu acknowledged their role in reinforcing progress during a transitional phase. “You don’t want to base your happiness on results, but results can give you a quantifiable meaning to the work you’re putting in.”

Her comeback win in Charleston also highlighted the adjustments still required at tour level. After struggling with positioning and timing in the opening set, Andreescu adapted to the larger court conditions and gradually imposed her game through heavier topspin and improved rally tolerance.

“I think the first set was more me adjusting to that. She did play well too, but I picked it back up and I’m just super happy.”