Bianca Andreescu spoke to the media today ahead of the Viking International in Eastbourne, where she is looking for a better result this week after crashing out in the first round in Berlin.
“Last week wasn’t as good as I expected for my first tournament back, but I haven’t played on grass in three years and I haven’t gotten that many matches this year with other things. I have been practicing on grass, however, so hopefully I can progress this week.”
On a more positive note, she was pleased to hear of the news that the Québec provincial goverment had approved the decision to host the National Bank Open formerly known as the Rogers Cup in Montreal this summer in August. “It’s super exciting going back to defend my title.”
Andreescu went into more detail as to why she hasn’t played a lot of matches this year while admitting that she is not a very patient person.
“I had to really grow through the years to improve that, but there are so many different circumstances that keep getting thrown at me, so my patience keeps getting tested. So far I think I am dealing with it OK and I know it’s going to continue to improve, so I need to stay patient with that as well.”
The Canadian was asked what she learned about herself this year and during this period.
“Perserverance in not playing, but rather continuing to fight and to train and and dealing with what is being thrown at me – this is one the of the most important things I learnt. I feel some days are harder than others, but I am still here and I am still fighting and I want to win.”
The Toronto native even took the time to talk about the first time she played Wimbledon back in 2017 and the fact at the time she was playing qualifying.
“It does feel like a long time ago although it really isn’t. I remember when I qualified, I was playing very well in the qualifying and then the main draw came around and I was overwhelmed by everything. I remember feeling confident but at the same time thinking, ‘oh my god I am finally here’ and it showed during my match. However, I came out super happy of my match even if I lost.”
The Canadian talked about the opportunity of playing this year’s tournament as a top seed, something she is looking forward to.
“It’s cool to think that I get to be a top seed at Wimbledon, where it will be my second main draw appearance. This time I don’t have to go through qualifying, so I do feel more confident going into the tournament. I am just going to take it match after match and feel like I can get more matches in this week.”
The world number seven recounted what the last year was like and how crazy it was leading into the pandemic.
“After doing so well in 2019 I got injured and I was off for six months. I was ready to play Indian Wells, my first tournament back, and that tournament is when everything started – I went there for three days before coming home. After that I did not move for six month besides training, which was super hard for me to deal with.”
Andreescu added she always tries to see things in a positive way and that she is a big believer in the fact that everything happens for a reason and that all she can do is move forward.
“It seemed like the world was crashing down but I wanted to be as grateful as I can because I know other people have it way worse. That really keeps me going, I try to have that big picture in my mind all the time.”
The Canadian spoke about her expectations going into this week’s tournament and Wimbledon next week and she thinks it’s completely different to the last time she played.
“In 2017 I was coming in as world number 150 in the world with no pressure, just going out there and doing what I love to do. Now it’s different, because there is more pressure and more expectations that I try not to focus on, but it’s hard and it’s a new circumstance. I need to learn how to deal with that a little bit better.”
Bianca Andreescu is the third seed this week in Eastbourne and she was originally drawn to face Madison Keys in the first round. However, Keys pulled out, and now the Canadian will face a different American, Christina Mchale.
