Canadian tennis player Bianca Andreescu is taking her power back after a nine-month back injury hiatus from August 2023 to May 2024. Despite not winning a tournament since 2019, when she claimed titles at Indian Wells, Toronto, and the US Open, Andreescu made a splash this year by reaching the finals of ‘s-Hertogenbosch and debuting at the 2024 Paris Olympics—an impressive comeback for someone who faced career-threatening injuries, drawing motivation from the sport’s greats.

In her own words on PlayersTribune, Bianca Andreescu expressed the rush of excitement when stepping onto the court and her deep passion for tennis. Since making her WTA tour debut in 2017, Andreescu has experienced highs and lows. She fondly recalled post-match celebrations: “In-N-Out after the tournament, after the sweet victory. Me and my coach were saying that all week. That was our mantra. Every match, I almost couldn’t believe that I won.” This fueled Bianca’s team throughout the week, especially after winning her first match at Indian Wells in 2019, which she described as “surreal.”

During her rise to prominence in 2019, Andreescu competed alongside tennis legends Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic. She remarked on the shock of being part of that elite group: “You’re around Nadal and Federer and Djokovic, and it’s shocking in a way that you’re part of that group.” That year, Bianca Andreescu won three titles and reached a career-high ranking of No. 4. She also earned the WTA’s Newcomer of the Year Award and defeated Serena Williams twice in finals.

Andreescu’s rapid ascent to fame was overwhelming: “You’re seeing your name all over social media. That’s when it really starts to set in.” However, injuries hindered her momentum. After missing the entire 2020 season due to injury and struggling in early 2021, Bianca finally returned to form in 2024. Inspired by fellow WTA player Iga Swiatek, Andreescu is now focused on reclaiming her spot among the best in women’s tennis.

Bianca Andreescu is looking forward to taking things slow

Andreescu is cautiously optimistic as she makes her return to tennis after a nine-month break due to a stress fracture in her back. While Iga Swiatek, who debuted a year after she did, has racked up an impressive twenty-two titles, including five Grand Slams since turning pro in 2016, Bianca Andreescu has three titles, with her major win at the 2019 US Open. Her strong showing at the 2024 Libema Open has boosted her ranking by 65 spots to No. 163, and she is determined to climb higher.

In a chat on the WTA Insider Podcast earlier this year, Andreescu emphasized her balanced approach: “You know, like, of course, I want to play my best tennis, but I don’t want to force myself to play my best tennis.” She recognizes that while she desires success like Swiatek’s, it’s essential not to rush the process. Swiatek herself has expressed “huge respect” for Andreescu’s journey through adversity.

As Bianca Andreescu looks ahead to the 2025 season, she seems determined to reclaim her place among the elite. With her newfound perspective and inspiration from Swiatek, Andreescu is focused on building momentum and health. So, do you think if Bianca continues on this trajectory, a thrilling comeback that echoes her golden days of 2019 is imminent? Share your take in the comments below.