TORONTO — Bianca Andreescu finds herself back in a place that once marked a pinnacle of her career.
The 26-year-old is not just back on the court; her mindset and overall well-being have significantly improved too.
Andreescu is set to launch her journey in the National Bank Open presented by Rogers as a wild-card entrant on Sunday night, going head-to-head with Nikola Bartunkova from Czechia (7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, Sportsnet ONE, Sportsnet+) to kick off the women’s bracket.
The Mississauga native made history in 2019 as the first Canadian to clinch this annual tennis event in half a century, achieving this remarkable feat at just 19 years old, shortly before her US Open triumph.
However, Andreescu’s initial success was tempered by a series of injuries and challenges that hindered her ascent while she held the No. 4 world ranking.
Now ranked 174th and preparing to face Bartunkova, currently the 41st on the WTA Tour, she reflects on how that unforgettable summer shapes her journey seven years later.
“What has been most beneficial for me is not getting stuck in the mindset of ‘How do I become that person or player again?'” Andreescu remarked at her pre-tournament press conference held at Sobeys Stadium. “Instead, I focus on ‘How can I learn from that, and who am I now in 2026?’ A lot has unfolded since then… it was my first full year on tour, and I had nothing else occupying my mind.”
She has had a great deal to consider since then.
The only Canadian ever to secure a Grand Slam singles title, Andreescu has achieved three WTA 1000 victories—each in 2019. Seeking a fresh start, she opted to participate in some lower-tier tournaments this season, achieving a couple of wins in Florida during the winter.
“It felt like a return to my roots,” Andreescu said, reflecting on her last competitive outing, which was a first-round exit at Wimbledon after battling through three rounds of qualifying. “It didn’t feel strange at all. I was just grateful for the opportunity to compete and progress through those tournaments because that was my main objective. I got what I wanted.”
“I’ve gleaned so much insight about myself. I now know I can compete in any environment.”
The NBO, now in its second year and a first for women in Toronto as a WTA 1000 tournament, will showcase a 12-day format with 96 competitors in the main draw.
The men’s segment will take place in Montreal.
The women’s event, featuring a staggering US$7.4-million prize pool, boasts all five of the tour’s top-ranked players, including world No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion Aryna Sabalenka.
Adding to the excitement are contenders like Elena Rybakina, the 2023 Australian Open champion, two-time NBO titleholder Jessica Pegula, multiple Grand Slam winner Coco Gauff, and 2026 French Open champion Mirra Andreeva, all ready to compete on the York University campus.
Linda Noskova, fresh off her inaugural Grand Slam win at Wimbledon, enters as the sixth seed and currently holds the No. 7 position in the world rankings.
Laval’s Leylah Fernandez stands out as the only seeded Canadian at No. 30, having secured a bye to the second round.
“Winning the NBO would be one of my most cherished titles and memories,” the 23-year-old remarked. “It’s a tournament I admired as a child… it’s certainly among my goals and dreams.”
Regrettably, the talented Canadian Victoria Mboko, who won the Montreal title in 2025, will sit out this year’s event due to a knee injury.
Other Canadian wild-card entrants include Kayla Cross, Katherine Sebov, Cadence Brace, Rebecca Marino, Ariana Arseneault, and Carol Zhao.
Veteran tennis star Venus Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam winner and four-time Olympic gold medallist, will be making her 13th appearance in Canada. Her best result came in 2014 when she defeated her younger sister Serena to reach the finals.
“I vividly recall my first time playing here when I was about 15 or 16,” she shared. “I was just a kid. I played a night match and felt so overwhelmed in this massive stadium.”
Andreescu is all too familiar with the pressure of taking the center stage in Toronto.
Sunday marks the beginning of her quest at this year’s NBO.
“I genuinely feel that same joy, which has been my biggest challenge over the years,” Andreescu reflected on 2019. “Thanks to the incredible team I have, they’ve really assisted me in appreciating the process a bit more.
“And ideally, that will lead to a victory.”
