‘Been Difficult’ – Bianca Andreescu Dispels Misconception About Her Comeback Journey Ahead of Toronto Run

Bianca Andreescu is set to kick off her campaign at the 2026 Canadian Open, hoping to recapture the magic of her memorable triumph in Toronto in 2019. Although her career has seen plenty of upheaval in the years since, Andreescu has explained how competing at lower-level events, despite her pedigree as a Grand Slam champion and former world No. 4, has helped rebuild her confidence.

Bianca Andreescu Opens Up About Her Mindset Ahead of Canadian Open

Following her first-round exit at Wimbledon, Andreescu will look to commence her North American hardcourt swing on a positive note at the Canadian Open, having received a wildcard entry into the main draw.

During her pre-tournament press conference, Andreescu acknowledged that she is in a very different place than she was when she triumphed in Toronto seven years ago. She revealed that her focus is not just on replicating that triumph but also rediscovering herself after overcoming her “biggest struggle” and once again experiencing joy while competing.

“A lot has happened since then,” Andreescu said. “It was my first full year on tour, I had nothing else to think about. So now it’s just trying to recreate, obviously the result, but who I am as a person a different way. I do feel like I have that same joy, which I think to me has been the biggest struggle over the years.”

After finishing the 2025 season outside the top 200, Andreescu began the year by returning to the ITF circuit in a bid to rediscover her form. The move quickly paid off as she captured titles at the W35 Bradenton and W75 Vero Beach.

The 26-year-old dispelled the misconception that competing at lower-level events is not challenging, emphasizing that her ITF matches have been far from easy.

“Well, what I’ve learned is the level there is super high. Like, I don’t want anybody to think, Oh, it’s a 75K, 35K, 125, whatever, like, the level is very, very high and all my matches have been difficult,” she said.

Andreescu also explained that competing on the ITF circuit never felt strange and instead allowed her to reconnect with her roots and learn more about herself.

“The difference is just the environment, right? So it was more going back to my roots, right, because that’s where I started. So it didn’t feel bizarre at all. I was just very grateful to be able to play those tournaments and go deep in them because that was the whole goal for me. I got what I wanted. I’ve learned so much about myself,” she added.

MORE:Bianca Andreescu Vows To Be ‘Dangerous’ After ‘Living in the Past’ Admission, As She Looks To Replicate Andre Agassi

Bianca Andreescu is set to face Nikola Bartůňková in the first round of the Canadian Open. If Andreescu emerges victorious in their first tour-level meeting, she will square off against No. 27 seed Clara Tauson in the second round of the WTA 1000 event in Toronto.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.