Bianca Andreescu, once a rising star in tennis and the 2019 US Open champion, will not compete in the 2025 Australian Open, marking her second consecutive absence from the season’s first Grand Slam. The Canadian player, who has faced persistent challenges with injuries and inconsistent form, has yet to publicly address her withdrawal.
A Challenging Comeback
Andreescu’s recent journey has been a rollercoaster. After a prolonged absence of nearly 10 months, she returned in May 2024, impressing with a third-round appearance at the French Open and a runner-up finish at the Libema Open. However, her momentum faltered as she lost five consecutive matches shortly after, signaling ongoing struggles to regain her best form.
In Tokyo, Andreescu showed glimpses of her potential, reaching the quarterfinals of a WTA 500 event. Yet, her season ended prematurely when she withdrew from the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, and she hasn’t competed since.
Skipping Melbourne: A Mystery
Andreescu’s name was initially listed for the Australian Open qualifying rounds, but when the draw was released, her absence raised eyebrows. Speculation suggests two potential reasons for her withdrawal:
- Injury Concerns: Andreescu may still be battling physical issues that have plagued her career.
- Avoiding Qualifying: As a former Grand Slam champion, the idea of playing qualifiers may have been unappealing, a choice seen before with players like Caroline Wozniacki and Emma Raducanu.
Her current ranking of No. 130 leaves her outside direct entry into many tournaments, further complicating her return.
A Glimmer of Optimism
Despite her struggles, Andreescu’s last public comments reflected a renewed love for tennis. In a heartfelt article for The Players’ Tribune, she expressed gratitude for the sport and her desire to inspire others:
“There was a time when I lost my joy in tennis. But I found it again. And I learned that I will always love tennis deep in my heart, no matter what.”
What’s Next for Andreescu?
At present, Andreescu is not listed in the entry for any upcoming tournaments. With no clear timeline for her return, her next steps remain uncertain. Fans hope to see her overcome these challenges and reignite the magic that once made her one of tennis’ brightest stars.
The 25-year-old faces a critical juncture in her career. Whether it’s through smaller tournaments, a wildcard, or a breakthrough performance, Andreescu must find a path to re-establish herself in the competitive tennis world.