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‘I broke the curse’ – the fall and rise of a teenage Grand Slam champion
Bianca Andreescu stood with the US Open trophy aloft, smiling as glittering confetti fell all around her on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
It was September 2019. The teenager had just defeated the formidable Serena Williams and, at just 19 years old, reached the pinnacle of tennis achievement.
In that triumphant moment, it would have been inconceivable that more than 2,300 days would pass before she secured another title – one with a modest $3,000 (£2,200) prize, a mere fraction (0.1%) of the $3.9m (£2.9m) she earned at Flushing Meadows.
She likely did not foresee a return to the lower echelons of professional tennis, where complimentary amenities are absent, and players often handle ball retrieval themselves.
However, following persistent injuries, the Canadian star embarked on this path, seeking to revitalize a career once brimming with promise.
Andreescu’s US Open victory highlighted a year featuring an Indian Wells title and a Canadian Open win in her native Toronto, propelling her upward in the world rankings.
She had made a global statement – but subsequent challenges emerged.
A knee injury necessitated a break at the start of 2020, and the tennis calendar faced suspension due to the Covid pandemic. Her return to the court in February 2021 marked her first appearance in 16 months.
She candidly admits to a lack of preparedness for the demands of being a Grand Slam champion.
“I don’t believe one can truly prepare for a Grand Slam victory, particularly without prior experience. I wish I had received more guidance after the US Open,” Andreescu, now 25, told BBC Sport.
“At 19, you believe you possess all the answers. I tend to avoid seeking help, but I am improving in that area. Perhaps, with guidance, things would have unfolded differently.”
Her current coach, Dusan Vemic, added: “She transitioned rapidly from a carefree teenager to the young woman she is today.”
“One develops different perspectives and viewpoints on challenges and enjoyable experiences.”
“As a tennis player, an athlete, your role shifts. You become a role model for numerous young individuals.”
Bianca Andreescu defeated Serena Williams 6-3 7-5 to win the US Open in New York
Andreescu experienced persistent injuries – abdominal and ankle issues sidelined her, and appendectomy surgery delayed her 2025 season.
Her form declined, and she has not progressed beyond the fourth round at a Grand Slam since her US Open victory, her ranking plummeting from a high of world number four in 2019 to 228 earlier this year.
At the start of 2026, she opted to return to an environment unfamiliar since 2018, transitioning from the WTA Tour to the ITF.
The tournament rankings range from W15 (the lowest level) to W100. Andreescu competed in W35 and W75 events, with a total prize pool of approximately £26,000 for a W35 tournament.
The ITF tour typically consists of emerging young players, those who have not broken through on the WTA Tour, or players seeking to regain previous form.
Crowds may be small, and line judges scarce, but the competition is intense.
“The women I faced displayed immense hunger, making each match difficult. On the WTA Tour, athletes may be more accustomed to certain comforts,” Andreescu notes.
“Certain expenses are covered [on the WTA Tour]. At the [ITF] level, nothing is subsidized, and breaking even is a challenge. I have experienced that firsthand.”
“I don’t want to suggest that the ITF tour is insignificant compared to the WTA Tour; that’s not the reality.”
“I deeply admire and respect the women who persevere on the tour. It’s challenging, even on the WTA Tour.”
Vemic, who joined Andreescu’s team in September 2025, echoed these sentiments.
“Every player there feels the need to prove their worth, and they are driven, not fatigued by years on tour,” he said.
“They are fueled by their dreams and passion, often being younger athletes.”
“It can be a transitional stage from juniors to professional tennis, and many possess significant confidence.”
Bianca Andreescu (right) alongside her mother Maria and father Nicu
While many of tennis’ top athletes focused on the Australian Open, Andreescu found herself in Bradenton, Florida, navigating coastal storms, eager young competitors, and a venue change before her final.
She ultimately won the final 6-2 7-5 against 325th-ranked Vivian Wolff, following multiple delays due to strong winds and a relocation to an indoor court.
This victory stood in stark contrast to her triumphant success in New York, where she held off a comeback attempt from 23-time major singles winner Williams, becoming Canada’s first Grand Slam singles champion.
The return to a lower level proved beneficial. After her Bradenton win, she reached the semi-finals of another W35 tournament before winning a W75.
“I am incredibly grateful for that experience, as it allowed me to test the things I have been working on in practice within match situations,” she said.
“I assessed how my body handles pressure and consecutive matches, ultimately securing my first singles win in six and a half years. I hope that I have broken the curse.”
Andreescu revealed she played 14 matches in 16 days – a critical step in preparing her body for the rigors of Grand Slam tennis.
“I don’t believe I have ever played so many matches consecutively, and my body responded well,” she said.
“That’s a victory. I am carrying that consistency into the remainder of the tour.”
“I feel things are progressing well. I feel great.”
Vemic noted that Andreescu is playing “even more aggressively than before” and is finishing points more frequently at the net.
“She’s an artist on the court. Watching her play is always exciting,” said the Serb, who has worked with 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic.
“My primary motivation in working with her was to assist in her reinvention and help her return to the level she deserves.”
Andreescu, now ranked 137th, is participating in French Open qualifying this week. She must win three matches to reach the main draw at Roland Garros.
Another critical aspect of Andreescu’s reinvention involves maintaining focus on interests outside tennis, including charity work, writing a children’s book, releasing music, and exploring spirituality.
“I’ve learned that a sole focus on tennis leads to diminished performance and burnout. I need these outlets,” she said.
“I enjoy exploring the spiritual, esoteric, and neuroscientific sides of life.”
“I’m reading extensively on these topics. They help me stay grounded and provide an escape from the tour’s inherent chaos.”
Andreescu, who famously created a mock US Open winner’s check at 16 to visualize her future victory, has embraced meditation practices that encourage her to be more present.
“I am focusing on finding balance rather than constantly visualizing a specific outcome,” she explained.
“It’s about living in the moment. I have reminders on my phone that prompt me to take deep breaths and center myself every hour.”
Her successes on the ITF tour have improved Andreescu’s competitiveness, and she has her sights set on contending for major titles once more.
However, she is a changed person from the 19-year-old who won the US Open.
“What stands out to me is the confidence, fearlessness, and enjoyment I displayed on the court – it was a kind of innocence,” she said.
“I am a different person now, at a different stage in my life, but that remains a part of me.”
“I am not necessarily trying to replicate the past, as I don’t believe that’s possible.”
“But I have achieved it once – I know I can do it again.”
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“Hopefully I broke the curse” – Andreescu on her tennis journey
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