Bianca Andreescu has never been short on perspective. It’s helped her navigate the many challenges she’s faced over the past few years and now it’s fueling her hot start to the season that has seen her win 13 of her first 14 matches and two titles.
Consistency, sustainability, steady growth, confidence, balance. These are some of the words that the 25-year-old Canadian used to describe her focus and objectives for 2026. To start her journey, Andreescu returned to the ITF Circuit to play a trio of lower-level professional tournaments in Florida. The decision paid off exactly the way she hoped it would.
“Getting a lot of matches early in the year has been huge for me not just physically, but mentally. Stacking wins early gives me momentum and reminds me that my level is there,” Andreescu told TennisCanada.com after winning the W75 event in Vero Beach. “The ITF Circuit is incredibly competitive, and I think sometimes people underestimate the level there. It’s been a humbling but very motivating experience. It’s allowed me to focus on improving my game, my physical endurance, and just competing hard every single point. In a way, it’s brought me back to why I fell in love with tennis in the first place.”
The building blocks for 2026 were laid in the offseason. Andreescu’s training sessions consisted of strengthening her body as well as improving her durability and her movement efficiency. She was also able to reset mentally which has provided her with clarity and a sense of calm on the court.
Andreescu’s 13-2 record since January has moved her up to no. 160 on the WTA rankings, but that’s not where she wants to be. The former world no. 4 was watching the Australian Open out of the corner of her eye reminding herself that she belongs on that stage and that’s what she’s working towards, to be back there earning those moments.
“If I can carry this rhythm into the bigger tournaments, that’s when I know I can go far. It’s about trusting the process and not rushing anything,” Andreescu said.
She will have the chance to measure herself against the world’s best after being awarded a main draw wildcard for the BNP Paribas Open which begins March 1 in Indian Wells, California. The same tournament that kick started her historic 2019 campaign which culminated with becoming the first Canadian to win a Grand Slam singles title at the U.S. Open. Andreescu defeated Garbiñe Muguruza, Elina Svitolina, and Angelique Kerber in consecutive matches en route to the trophy in the desert that year.
Despite her eagerness to get back to the top, Andreescu won’t cut any corners to get there. She’s going to take it one step at a time and keep the big picture in clear view rather than worry about specific goals.
“I want to compete hard but not attach myself too much to outcomes,” Andreescu explained. “When I’ve played my best tennis, it’s been when I’m free and creative without much to lose. Of course, I have goals like getting my ranking back to where I think it should be and winning more titles. But more than rankings, my focus is on staying healthy, enjoying the journey, and playing bold tennis.”
The intention of playing bold tennis is music to the ears of Andreescu fans who have never stopped believing that she could rediscover her highest level. Neither has she and now something special is brewing for her, and for them.
Feature photo by: Jelena Vemić
