“Bianca Andreescu makes a strong comeback with a victory in Rome.”

Bianca Andreescu is back and ready to make waves on the WTA circuit! The 2019 US Open champion returned to the main draw of a WTA 1000 tournament in Rome, and she did so in style: she defeated Sofia Kenin, another Grand Slam champion, in an electrifying duel that confirmed the Canadian still has the grit to shine, even after a series of injuries that threatened to prematurely end her career.

In a match marked by comebacks, Andreescu managed to recover from two breaks in two sets to close the match with a 6-4, 7-5 scoreline that made it clear: the athlete is determined to rebuild her career, step by step. The Canadian’s journey has been anything but linear since her breakout in New York, with knee injuries and an emergency appendectomy in early 2025 delaying her progress. With her ranking falling outside the top 100, Andreescu had to rely on a special invitation to compete at the Rome Open, a clear sign of the challenges she has faced.

In recent months, the player has been focusing on lower-tier tournaments to gain rhythm and confidence, securing one title and reaching finals in W35 and WTA 125 events. This strategy seems to be paying off, as demonstrated by her match against Kenin, who had defeated her recently in Charleston on green clay. “I played against her a month ago, and that helped me a lot. I feel that these conditions favor me more. The green clay is faster, which gives me more time to prepare my shots. Moreover, losing to her gave me extra motivation,” Andreescu confessed to Tennis Channel.

Despite having reached her peak on hard courts — the stage of her greatest achievements, including the US Open and two WTA 1000 titles — the Canadian reveals that she does not have a defined favorite surface. “It depends on the day. Sometimes my forehand is better, other times my backhand. Serving can also fluctuate. I’ve started to enjoy playing on grass, which is very fast. So it really depends on the moment,” explained the former world number 4.

But what really stands out at this stage of Bianca Andreescu’s career is her resilient mindset and focus on the recovery process and physical efficiency. The athlete admits that her journey has been tough, with constant interruptions hindering the building of a solid competitive streak. “I have focused on the process and trusting in God’s timing because I really love this sport. I have gone through difficult times, but I have learned to appreciate tennis even more. I am very grateful to be here, and getting this wildcard is incredible. I try to look on the bright side because tennis can be very unforgiving,” the Canadian expressed.

To avoid further injuries and better manage her energy, Andreescu has been working intensely on the efficiency of her movements. “I have been training a lot in the gym and on the court to be more efficient in my movements. Sometimes I take unnecessary steps, and that wastes a lot of energy. Today I felt that this efficiency helped me maintain my rhythm,” she shared, demonstrating a tactical maturity essential for extending her career.

On a personal level, the player highlights the unconditional support of her mother, who has been her pillar during adversities. “She is my light, my safe haven. Always positive, she knows what she wants and stands by what she believes in. If I can be half the woman she is, I will be very happy,” she declared, revealing the human side that doesn’t always come across on the courts.

With the next round set for a clash against Belinda Bencic, a player known for her consistent play and solid baseline structure, Andreescu knows she faces a significant test. “What matters to me is the effort and the intention. If I can give my best and apply what I train with my coach, that is the most important thing. The results are not entirely under our control, but it would be great to win,” said the athlete, who has a balanced record against Bencic (1-1), although she lost their only encounter on clay at the 2022 Roland Garros.

The pressure is on, especially since Andreescu is defending points from last year’s fourth round in Rome, where she eliminated top opponents like Donna Vekic and Elena Rybakina, before falling to Zheng Qinwen. This return promises to be a turning point in the Canadian’s career, as she fights not only to regain her best form, but to prove to the world that she is still a force to be reckoned with in global tennis. Get ready for more intense chapters in this saga of overcoming challenges and talent!

This article first appeared on Apito Final.