It was 2019. The world witnessed a roaring young star taking over the legendary tennis player Serena Williams in a Grand Slam Final. While Serena was definitely the crown favorite at the 2019 US Open, she was stunned in the match by a young-rising star, Bianca Andreescu. Fast forward to 2024 and as the Canadian player desires to make a similar comeback, her reflection on the road to the mighty win is phenomenal.

On June 13, Bianca Andreescu appeared on The Tennis Podcast as she discussed her journey so far and her plans ahead. Opening up about the fearlessness she felt in 2019 when she won her US Open title, Andreescu delved into the injury and mental health struggles that followed and the new perspective on life that she’s gained.

When asked about her sensational gameplay in the 2019 US Open, the Canadian admitted to having felt ‘possessed’. “I don’t know, I feel like I was possessed in 2019. Like, nothing could stop me. I did not care about anything. But doing my best competing until my frickin limbs fell off.”

She further said that the mindset she carried was remarkable and desired to get it back again, soon. “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.” Emphasizing the fact that she will make it happen again, Andreescu reiterated, “I know it’s going to come.” 

Further, the 23-year-old claimed that she did not care enough about the mistakes she made on the court. “I want to have that fearlessness again. I really do. Just like going after my shots, not caring as much, you know, if I missed a shot or not because I know I’m doing the right thing.” In the final encounter of the US Open, Bianca Andreescu defeated Serena Williams in straight sets 6-3, 7-5.

While the Canadian had surprised the world with her performance in 2019, she could not continue to replicate that further. As suggested by Andreescu as well, she soon faced a health crisis. Her early years featured a torn adductor muscle, sprained ankle, stress fracture in her foot, and a lingering back condition. A knee injury knocked her out for the entire 2020 season. Besides, she could only play 30 matches in 2021 and 33 in 2022. While her career graph was not continuous, she did not fail to take pride in her achievements!

When Bianca Andreescu compared her career with Naomi Osaka

As Andreescu and Naomi Osaka are all set to face each other on the grass courts at the Rosmalen Grass Court Championships, the Canadian equated her career with that of her opponent.

Speaking about her feelings about being back on court, Bianca Andreescu had earlier said that it was great for tennis. She further highlighted that despite the break in their respective careers unlike other players, they have been able to establish themselves as role models. “We’ve had, in a way, similar careers. It’s not the same, but we won at a very young age and then had a break here and a break there. Being back on court with her, I think it’s great for tennis. And also being role models because we didn’t have a linear career like, say, Iga [Swiatek].”

As the 23-year-old prepares for Wimbledon, it will be intriguing to see if she can display a similar fearless attitude to that of 2019!