By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday, May 11, 2025
Is Bianca Andreescu back on the tennis scene? The answer is a resounding yes! In fact, it feels like she never truly left.
After a six-month hiatus, Andreescu made her comeback last month in Rouen, France. Although her return was rocky, with three losses out of four matches initially, she’s found her stride in Rome, achieving back-to-back victories against Top-20 competitors for the first time since 2022.
On Tuesday, she’s set to clash with eighth-seeded Zheng Qinwen from China, aiming for her third consecutive win over Top 20 players—a feat she hasn’t accomplished since claiming her first Grand Slam title as a teenager in 2019.
A triumph would also signal Andreescu’s return to the Top 100 for the first time since August 2023, as she plays in Rome under a protected ranking.
Is the 24-year-old feeling the heat? Not at all.
Bianca Andreescu 🇨🇦 is just one victory away from re-entering the Top 100 after stunning former champion Elena Rybakina in Rome.
“I don’t think I’ve ever changed the rhythm as much as I did today.” https://t.co/jttf9shTsH
— TENNIS (@Tennis) May 11, 2025
“I took some time off, but my mindset during that period has been healthier than it was three years ago,” Andreescu shared with David Kane of Tennis.com. “I’m rediscovering myself, which is crucial for growth. Sometimes I overthink, but I must remember I’m still young at 24. I see younger players excelling, and I relate to them.”
“Patience is key—I can still have a long career ahead, perhaps even a decade more. I’m focused on easing the pressure I place on myself.”
It’s heartening to witness Andreescu, past the setbacks since her breakout season in 2019, prioritize both mental and physical well-being.
On Sunday, her victory over 11th-ranked Elena Rybakina, following a straight-set loss to the same player in Madrid just two weeks prior, showcased her rapid progress. She also defeated World No. 19 Donna Vekic in the second round, setting her up for a rematch against Zheng, after a previous three-set defeat in Toronto in 2022.
In an exciting twist, Andreescu has switched to a new racquet, the Yonex Ezone 98, and is collaborating with returning coach Antonio Fernandez Cantisano while following a strict gluten-free and dairy-free diet.
These changes could herald a return to consistency for the former World No. 4.
