Former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu feels on track to return to the top ranks of the sport after struggling with injuries and mental health issues for the past two years.
In 2019, Andreescu won at home in Indian Wells and at the Canadian Open before claiming her first Grand Slam title in Flushing Meadows.
The 22-year-old Canadian rose to fourth in his career that same year but later struggled with injuries and was never able to regain the same form.
Andreescu, who has slipped to 53rd in the rankings, returned to the Tour in Stuttgart in April after a lengthy hiatus due to mental health issues and announced she was on the verge of retiring from tennis.
“I think it’s getting there,” she said on Thursday after losing to China’s Zheng Qinwen in the third round of the Canadian Open in Toronto. “I definitely don’t think I’m still there. But I just have to keep grinding.
“If I just keep doing my best and really committing to it. Because I really, really want that. Especially after so many downtimes, time for myself and all those who like really tough moments.”
“I just feel like I’m in a great place right now. And even speaking now, I feel like last year would be more negative for example. But I just feel so great.”
Zheng, 19, also has a breakthrough in 2022. She was ranked No. 143 in the world at the start of the season but cracked the top 50 in June after progressing to the fourth round of the French Open in Paris.
Andreescu had many encouraging words for her opponent.
“I think she’s playing at top 10 level right now. She plays really, really well. I’m very happy for them,” said Andreescu.
“When I was her age … I remember I was just super fearless. The players don’t know you that well either. And you kind of go out there, play fearless, no pressure. And she does. Honestly, I think she can win the tournament if she keeps it up.”