Tennis Legend Andreescu Aims for Triumphant French Open Comeback
Paris, May 25, 2024 – Canadian tennis star Bianca Andreescu is set to make her highly anticipated return to the court at this year’s French Open, following a nearly 10-month absence due to a stress fracture in her back. The 23-year-old from Mississauga, Ontario, is filled with a mix of excitement and nerves as she prepares to take on the challenge of the clay courts in Paris.
“This is the most nervous I’ve been,” Andreescu admitted on Saturday, acknowledging the significance of her comeback. “I know it means that I care a lot. And I really hope that I can take that nervousness and play well with it — ‘leave it all on the court’ type of thing — and not hold back too much.”
Andreescu’s absence from the sport has been marked by a series of persistent injuries, including a shoulder issue in 2019, a knee injury in 2020-2021, and most recently, the stress fracture that forced her withdrawal from last year’s Cincinnati Open. Despite these setbacks, the Tennis legend remains determined to make a triumphant return to the French Open, where she reached the third round a year ago before her back issues surfaced.
Ranked 234th on the WTA Tour due to her extended hiatus, Andreescu was able to utilize an injury-protection ranking of No. 64 to secure a direct entry into the main draw in Paris. This could also potentially help her qualify for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics in July, as the rankings deadline coincides with the conclusion of the French Open.
Andreescu’s opening match at the French Open will pit her against Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo, a player known for her grinding, endurance-testing style of play, which could pose a significant challenge on the slower clay courts of Roland Garros. Nonetheless, the Canadian remains confident in her abilities, describing her recent practice sessions as “incredible” as she has focused on strengthening her core and glutes to support her injured back.
Despite the obstacles she has faced, Andreescu’s resilience and determination have only grown stronger. “I don’t remember the last time I felt like this, but I think it’s also because I’ve never felt so much hope in my tennis,” she shared. As the tennis world eagerly awaits her comeback, all eyes will be on Andreescu as she takes the court in Paris, driven by her desire to leave a lasting impression and cement her status as a true Tennis legend.
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