By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday March 24, 2023
If you think Bianca Andreescu is playing great tennis at the moment, just wait til she has some more time to develop. The Canadian, who has defeated Emma Raducanu and Maria Sakkari to reach the third round at the Miami Open, says she is playing at about 75 to 80 percent of her potential at the moment.
“I feel like there’s always room for improvement even if I’m feeling like I’m at 100 percent,” the 22-year-old 2019 US Open champion and former World No.4 said on Friday in Miami.
“But I know I’m never at 100 percent because there’s so much that I know I can learn, getting to know my body as well through the years, and just kind of keeping momentum. I think it’s super important, and I feel like I’m starting to get that now a little bit. So with all of that, I feel like I’m at, I would say, 75 percent, 80 percent of what I know I’m capable of.”
Currently ranked 31, Andreescu has struggled to find her elite level since dropping out of the Top 10 after the 2021 US Open. Injuries have played a big role, as has upheaval in her coaching team.
But Andreescu has showed her best tennis in spurts, and she’s doing that again this season.
The talent that wowed the tennis world when she won the 2019 US Open on her main draw debut – it’s still there.
What has been the difference this season for Andreescu, who has won four of of five deciders in 2023, and just snapped a five-match losing streak against the Top 10 with her win over Sakkari on Friday?
“I think it’s going for my shots a little bit more in the important points and not letting my nerves get the best of me because even today I felt like I could have attacked maybe a little bit more even on the important points,” Andreescu said. “I’ve been playing matches that are super close, and everybody on tour is so good.”
The Canadian’s confidence is growing as she looks ahead to a third-round clash with American Sofia Kenin on Sunday in Miami.
“I think it’s just another step in gaining most of my confidence back,” she said. “I’m feeling really good on the court. I’m trying to be as fearless as I can be. “It’s not always easy, but I feel like I’m getting there, and wins like this obviously help with that because at this point I think it’s just me getting matches in and playing tough rounds like this and knowing I can win.”
Photo: Matthew Calvis
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