Bianca Andreescu’s difficult journey continues as the former US Open champion officially withdraws from the 2025 Australian Open. The 24-year-old Canadian, weighed down by injuries and mental health challenges, has suffered a series of setbacks since her breakthrough 2019 season. Her absence marks the second year in a row she will miss the Melbourne Grand Slam, raising questions about her future in Tennis.
Andreescu’s withdrawal: A long road to return to form
Andreescu’s 2024 season offered glimpses of hope but was ultimately tarnished by inconsistency and injuries. After missing nine months with a back injury, she made her return to the French Open through a protected ranking, but only managed to win 21 matches in 10 tournaments. Her highlight was a second place at the Rosmalen Lawn Tennis Championships, but her inability to stay on court overshadowed her potential.
Speculation regarding Andreescu’s withdrawal from the Australian Open began in December when journalist Stephanie Myles suggested she might withdraw. Confirmations quickly followed, with Canadian tennis expert Ben Lewis stating: “Bianca Andreescu… will not compete at the 2025 Australian Open. The Canadian, currently ranked #132, will miss the Melbourne Grand Slam for the second year in a row.”
Andreescu, who would have had to navigate through the qualifying rounds to enter the main draw, had initially planned to start her season at the ASB Classic in Auckland. However, citing “personal reasons”, she withdrew, sparking concerns over her preparation for the Grand Slam season.
Personal Reflections and Struggle
Andreescu has been open about the challenges she has faced, both physical and mental. In an interview with Match Point Canadashe declared: “The hardest test of my life is dealing with physical injuries, in addition to mental health issues, which somehow go hand in hand.”
Writing in The Players’ Tribuneshe reflected on the immense pressure to replicate her 2019 success: “I kept comparing myself to 2019. Always looking back… I just wanted to get off the court as quickly as possible.”
Despite her struggles, Andreescu remains determined to get back into shape. She worked with high performance specialist Dr. Cowan, sharing on Instagram: “I feel and look amazing! I’m taking my health and performance to a new level.”
Autres Absences Majeures : Wozniacki, Krejčíková et Plíšková
Andreescu is not the only top player to miss the 2025 Australian Open. Former champions and top players have also withdrawn:
- Caroline Wozniacki : The 2018 Australian Open champion had expressed her excitement after receiving a wild card, but mysteriously withdrew without providing a reason. Her place will be occupied by Yulia Starodubtseva.
- Barbora Krejčíková : The 2024 Wimbledon champion cited a back injury as the reason for her withdrawal. She will be replaced by Nuria Párrizas Díaz.
- Karolina Plíšková : The former world number 1 withdrew from the event, with Rebecca Marino taking her place.
A difficult Australian Open for the WTA
With several stars absent, the 2025 Australian Open will have a different dynamic, leaving the door open for new or emerging talent to shine. However, fans will definitely feel the absence of well-known names like Andreescu, Wozniacki and Krejčíková.
The tournament is set to highlight players like Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff, who are all entering the season with momentum. While these absences are a disappointment, they highlight the physical and mental challenges of competing at the highest level.
