Bianca Andreescu Hails Iga Swiatek as the ‘New Ashleigh Barty’ in WTA

Bianca Andreescu, the Canadian tennis professional, turned pro in the year 2017 and immediately made an impact in the tennis world. Within two years, she was among the elite list of WTA by claiming a ranking as high as World No.4. Further, by defeating the 23-time Grand Slam champion, Serena Williams, to win her first Grand Slam at the 2019 US Open, she cemented her legacy as one of the up-and-coming stars in tennis.

However, Andreescu suffered an injury to her knee after reigning at the US Open, which forced her out of the tour. Following that, she took a break to secure her mental well-being and made a comeback in this year’s clay-court season. Currently, the 21-year-old is gearing up to test her luck in the French Open. Before starting her journey in the tournament, Bianca gave her thoughts about the current World No.1, Iga Swiatek.

Bianca Andreescu about Iga Swiatek

While speaking to the press at French Open 2022, Bianca was asked to share her thoughts about the sensational Pol. And if she is hatching any plans to beat her in order to claim the title? In response, she said, “I wouldn’t say we need to beat her to win a title. Because you never know what’s going to happen in a tournament, but she’s definitely setting a high precedent right now.”

Thereafter she added, “For me, at least it’s very motivating. She’s kind of like the new Ashleigh Barty of the tour, because Ashleigh was winning a lot, as well. But for me it’s very motivating. I’m very impressed with how she’s doing.”

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Earlier this year, the Canadian and the Pole clashed in the red dirt of Rome for a seat in the semifinals. In that match, Swiatek out-muscled Andreescu in straight sets 7-6 (2), 6-0.

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What did Andreescu do during her mental break?

Andreescu, after suffering a chain of injuries, stepped out of the courts to safeguard her mental health. Post her second round defeat at Indian Wells 2021, she declared that she required some personal time, and returned to her hometown to recuperate.

During this time, she was with her friends and family while also picking up an old hobby which she had to leave behind to advance in her tennis career: making music and playing her guitar. Now that Andreescu is slowly but surely rediscovering her form, will she topple the favorites and claim the Suzanne-Lenglen cup? Let us know in the comments.