On a mental hiatus, a player often seeks new habits and passions to keep them grounded in the present. Not only do these new interests serve as a much-needed distraction from their concerns, but they also provide fresh perspectives on life. This was precisely the scenario for 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu. The Canadian tennis star recently opened up about a new passion that helped her navigate through distressing times.

Bianca Andreescu is all set to take over Naomi Osaka in the Quarterfinals of the ongoing Libema Open. Ahead of her match, she engaged in a discussion and opened up about her newly-founded love for jiu-jitsu. She discussed how the martial arts helped her during her mental break and helped her be in the present. In the interview, Andreescu disclosed the importance of jiu-jitsu in her life.

“Jiu-jitsu, I did that on my mental break, back in 2021. It was more martial arts, It wasn’t just Jiu-Jitsu. It was something that I really wanted to explore a bit more.” She further highlighted that it helped her keep her mental sanctity intact. “It’s more mental than anything. It really helps you stay in the present moment because if you think about this or that, you’re gonna get kicked in the b**t basically.” Further speaking, the 23-year-old revealed that she is closely connected to Jiu-Jitsu. “It’s a really good exercise for me which I still do to learn to stay in the present moment.” 

For the unversed, the tennis star was on a mental sabbatical for six months between 2021 and 2022. In a previous interview, Andreescu revealed that she faced a mental breakdown after her US Open win in 2019. She acknowledged feeling that she was not loved enough for who she was outside the tennis court. “At the time, I had no idea because I never really felt that way, ever, in my life. I was confused, I was shocked, overwhelmed. I had no idea what to do.” She had also admitted considering to quitting the sport. “As harsh as it sounds, I wanted to quit the sport. I had no love for the game whatsoever, so at that point [was] when I took my break, my mental break.”

Back in August 2023, the 2019 US Open champion, Bianca Andreescu, had withdrawn from the women’s singles draw due to horrific back injury. This marked her second time missing the tournament since her surprise victory at 19 years old. As Bianca Andreescu’s body healed from a serious back injury, often requiring a year of recovery, she turned her focus to mental well-being.

To support her recovery and well-being, Andreescu, now 24, delved into the spiritual side of life. Meditation became a central focus, with retreats in Ontario and Costa Rica, and a seminar in Miami. She even explored jiu-jitsu meditation, a martial arts practice that combines mindfulness and movement to manage stress and anxiety.

Ahead of her 2024 French Open encounter, first Hologic WTA Tour appearance in nearly nine months with Sara Sorribes Tormo in a first-round match, Bianca stressed on the fact that she is mentally strong. “I always identified myself too much with the sport,” Andreescu said at Roland Garros. “Being out of the sport kind of helps in that way. You can get too attached to the game of tennis. I feel like I’m very strong mentally.” As the Canadian player expects a sensational season, all she wants now is her fearless back again.

‘I want to have that fearlessness again’ Bianca Andreescu opens up on her on-court desire

The world witnessed the 18-year-old Andreescu battling her heart out at the 2019 US Open against the tennis legend Serena Williams. As she clinched the title, the tennis community was abuzz with discussions of her fearless attitude. The Canadian star player also revealed about her encounter in the finals and acknowledged that the feeling was exceptional.

Speaking at The Tennis Podcast recently, Andreescu shared her wish to play similarly yet again. She further said that the mindset she carried was remarkable. “I just kept going at it no matter what. And that’s what I want to have again, like, I just want to and I know it’s going to come.” The rising star further acknowledged that she did not care enough about the mistakes she made during that tournament and focused entirely on her gameplay. “I want to have that fearlessness again. I really do,” she said.

As she gears up to play the quarterfinals, it will be interesting to see if she can outshine the former World No.1 Naomi Osaka and continue her winning streak at the Libema Open.