It all started in Indian Wells for Bianca Andreescu. Four years ago, she lifted the first trophy of her career on the WTA Tour under the hot Californian desert sun. Since then, she has become an accomplished woman. Above all, she has become a more patient player, because she knows that it takes time to get back to the top.
Since the beginning of the week, Andreescu has not stopped for a single second. She is one of the headliners of the most important tournament of the spring. The one that some consider to be the fifth major tournament of the season.
If she promotes so much, it’s not only because the Canadian is a former champion, but above all because she is still extremely popular. She had also posed many times and conducted multiple interviews during her visit to Thailand a few weeks ago.
The day she spoke with The Pressshe has also taken part in engagements with the WTA and Head, one of her main sponsors.
Andreescu has come a long way since winning Indian Wells in 2019. In the following months, she won the National Bank Open and the US Open. However, she hasn’t won a title since.
“I see myself differently”, explains the 36e world racket.
Previously, it was more defined by its results, but time has taken its toll. “From now on, I’m able to tell myself that I gave my best, even if I lost, and still be happy. Laughing with my team, going to dinner and not locking myself in my room for two or three days. »
One thing, more than anything, allowed him to be at peace with his job. Patience.
“That’s a huge word,” she says when it’s suggested to her. Ever since I was young, patience has never been a great quality, and now that I’m more mature, I’ve learned about myself and my sport. »
Patience, she had to cultivate it. Injuries caught up with her and prevented her from reaching her full potential. Her body let her down several times. Enough to keep him away from the courts for long periods of time. “It’s not always easy being an athlete, because you always have to deal with health issues, even if mentally you feel good and your game is adequate. »
PHOTO JOHN MINCHILLO, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
Bianca Andreescu resting during a match against Maria Sakkari, at the US Open, in September 2021
She learned it the hard way, precisely in Thailand, where she had to give up in the middle of the semi-final match against Lesia Tsurenko. Prior to this match, she had not lost a set in three encounters.
Nevertheless, “I have to be grateful, she says, because I don’t have any serious injuries, so I can recover quickly and go to tournaments. Every week I hope the next will be better, and the last few weeks have been better. »
Return to the top
At 22, Andreescu believes the best is yet to come. However, she refuses to set too concrete objectives. His happiness will not be defined by the number of matches won, tournaments played or places gained in the rankings.
So much so that we taught her that she was the highest ranked Canadian.
For me, it’s just about being happy, having fun, staying healthy and working hard. Because I know with that, the rest will come.
Bianca Andreescu
The rest is getting a place in the top 10 and win another Grand Slam tournament. “I don’t have a deadline, she claims, but this year, it would be great,” she laughs.
It can be exhilarating to reach the highest echelons of her discipline, like when she climbed to fourth in the world in October 2019. On the other hand, the fall can be brutal, like when she tumbled all the way to 121e rank in April 2022.
Over time, she learned to let go of certain feelings. To limit excesses, in joy or in pain, and to do just enough. To win or to be happy.
PHOTO MARK J. TERRILL, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
Canadian Bianca Andreescu won the Indian Wells tournament in 2019.
“I’m someone who’s always looking for more and sometimes I need to talk to myself so I don’t get caught up in the game. It’s okay to have bad days. It’s not good to always put too much pressure on your shoulders. »
Four years ago, Andreescu was 18. It was filled with promise and hope. She was also a winner. If she had the chance to talk to this dreamy kid again, sitting in the Tennis Garden locker room next to her big trophy, she would have so much to tell her.
“I would tell him not to take anything for granted and to enjoy it as much as possible. To be careful with all the media attention, because it could get to her. And above all to make sure to do things that benefit as many people as possible. Get involved with a foundation, get involved with charity, sign rackets, take pictures. In the end, that’s what matters. »