Bianca Andreescu on psychological problems: "I also experienced it"
Bianca Andreescu is number two in the upcoming WTA 1000 event in Montreal. In the run-up to the tournament, the young Canadian spoke about the public awareness of mental health problems in top-class sport.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Aug 06, 2021, 08:53 am
Naomi Osaka kicked off something with a statement after her memorable withdrawal from the French Open, that is out of the question. The Japanese opened after the Grand Slam in the heart of Paris that she was struggling with mental health problems. A topic that is hardly considered in the normal news cycles of sports reporting. A big problem, as many athletes have been criticizing since then.
Canada's Bianca Andreescu shares the same footing, telling Daily Hive: "I think it's great that people are talking about it, because I feel like it's not being talked about enough because I've seen it too. A professional athlete being is not easy, "said the 20-year-old. "I think the mental health aspect of everything is probably the most important. And not just for me, but for everyone. We all go through things."
Andreescu: "Really helps"
The public discourse on mental problems could also help those affected, as Andreescu explained: "To know that there is a community that is the same and that speaks about it in its own way really helps and brings us together. When more people can talk about it , maybe things can change for the better. "
In her still young - albeit highly successful - career, she herself had to master a number of mental challenges: "What has helped me a lot over the years is to find out a lot about myself, such as what my goal in life is and what I like to do" said the 20-year-old. "And I found that out at a very young age, I'm very grateful for that."
Osaka is absent from Montreal
Andreescu, who sensationally won the US Open in 2019 and is already a two-time WTA 1000 winner, has been struggling with a downright injury odyssey for some time. Now, however, the Canadian is returning to the tour - and for her home tournament in Montreal, of all places. "After a couple of setbacks over the past few months, I feel really good. But I'm much better now and I'm ready to go."
The 20-year-old, number five in the women's tennis world, travels to Canada as number two after Naomi Osaka, Sofia Kenin and Iga Swiatek, among others, canceled their start. But the youngster doesn't want to put himself under too much pressure: "I don't really want to see it as defending my title, because that puts me under a little pressure," explained Andreescu. "I just see that I'm the champion - and I want to be the champion again."