Seven years after stunning the world to win the 2019 US Open, Bianca Andreescu is back at the tournament, fighting through qualifying to reach the main draw. Now 26 and ranked No. 186, the former champion faces a difficult road, starting Monday against Eva Vedder. She must win three matches to return to the stage where she first became a global star.

Andreescu’s rise was meteoric. At just 19, she defeated Serena Williams in the final, becoming the first Canadian player to win a major. Her fearless play and joyful energy captivated fans, earning her a top-five ranking and accolades like the Lou Marsh Trophy. However, her success was short-lived due to a series of injuries and mental struggles that forced her to question her future in tennis.

The pandemic further disrupted her momentum, causing withdrawals from key events like the 2020 Australian Open and US Open. Despite losing in the second round of the 2021 Australian Open and enduring a nine-month layoff for a stress fracture, Andreescu remains motivated. She now plays for herself and her future family, aiming to inspire others by persevering through adversity.