(VIDEO) Tearful Bianca Andreescu celebrates return to Grand Slam main draw after two-year absence
WTAThursday, 25 June 2026 at 21:00
Bianca Andreescu has finally returned to a Grand Slam main draw after almost two years, sealing her place at Wimbledon following a difficult spell marked by injuries and limited appearances on the main tour. The Canadian has seen her ranking drop significantly and has spent extended periods outside the top-level circuit, affecting both consistency and momentum.
The former US Open champion defeated former top-30 player Aliaksandra Sasnovich (15th seed in qualifying) in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6. It was her third consecutive win of the week on the outside courts at the All England Club, following earlier victories over Polona Hercog and 24th seed Jil Teichmann.
Ranked world No. 180, Andreescu entered Wimbledon qualifying after not receiving a wildcard. It is the fourth time she has played Grand Slam qualifying in the last two seasons, having previously failed to reach the main draw at Roland Garros 2025, Roland Garros 2026, and Wimbledon 2025.
At the end of the match, Andreescu was visibly emotional, breaking into tears after securing her return to a Grand Slam main draw. A video circulating on social media shows the 26-year-old Canadian embracing her team after completing the final step of a demanding qualifying campaign.
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Andreescu powers through qualifying
The former world No. 4 has struggled significantly with injuries in recent years, including recurring ankle and back problems that have disrupted her consistency on tour. The last two seasons have been particularly difficult, with extended spells on the ITF circuit.
She began rebuilding confidence with a title run at the W35 event in Bradenton in January, followed by a semi-final in W35 Preston. Mixed results in WTA 125 events and limited main-tour appearances suggested gradual progress, but she was still unable to break through at Roland Garros earlier this season.
Andreescu made her grass-court return in ’s-Hertogenbosch, where she reached the final in 2024 but exited early against Elise Mertens (1-6, 2-6). With minimal preparation, she arrived at Wimbledon aiming to return to a Grand Slam main draw for the first time since the US Open 2024, where she lost in the opening round.
Andreescu saves set points to complete emotional qualifying comeback
Andreescu produced a strong qualifying campaign, dropping just one set on her way into the main draw. She opened with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Polona Hercog (No. 225), before defeating Jil Teichmann (No. 126) 6-7, 6-1, 6-4 in a three-set battle.
In the final round of qualifying, she faced 15th seed Aliaksandra Sasnovich (No. 124), winning a two-hour-plus match 6-3, 7-6(4). Andreescu saved 3 of 6 break points and converted 7 of 11 opportunities, including a key comeback from 2-5 down in the second set where she also saved five set points before closing out the tiebreak.
This run provides Andreescu with a crucial opportunity to gain ranking points and rebuild momentum at the biggest stage of the sport. Her best Wimbledon result came in 2024, reaching the third round, and she has now reached the Round of 32 twice in a row at SW19, including in 2023 where she lost to eventual runner-up Ons Jabeur.
Bianca Andreescu at Wimbledon — main draw record (5-5)
| Year | Round | Opponent | Score | Opponent Rank | W/L |
| 2024 | R32 | Jasmine Paolini | 6-7(4) 6-1 | 7 | L |
| 2024 | R64 | Linda Noskova | 6-3 7-6(5) | 26 | W |
| 2024 | R128 | Jaqueline Cristian | 6-4 6-2 | 62 | W |
| 2023 | R32 | Ons Jabeur | 3-6 6-3 4-6 | 6 | L |
| 2023 | R64 | Anhelina Kalinina | 6-2 4-6 7-6(7) | 26 | W |
| 2023 | R128 | Anna Bondar | 6-3 3-6 6-2 | 110 | W |
| 2022 | R64 | Elena Rybakina | 4-6 6-7(5) | 23 | L |
| 2022 | R128 | Emina Bektas | 6-1 6-3 | 224 | W |
| 2021 | R128 | Alizé Cornet | 2-6 1-6 | 58 | L |
| 2017 | R128 | Kristina Kučová | 4-6 3-6 | 105 | L |
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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