PARIS — Former world No.4 Bianca Andreescu sent a fierce message to French Open organizers during her dominant first-round qualifying victory over China’s Yao Xinxin, showcasing the kind of form that suggests she’s far from done on the big stage.
The 2019 US Open champion, who has battled injuries and setbacks since her breakthrough, needed just 58 minutes to dismantle Yao 6-1, 6-1 in a statement performance. But it was her post-match comments that turned heads, as she criticized tournament officials for forcing her to play qualifying despite her pedigree. "I don’t think I should be here," Andreescu bluntly stated.
A Dominant Return to Clay
Andreescu, currently ranked No. 228 after an injury-plagued 2023, looked every bit the Grand Slam champion as she dismantled Yao with ruthless efficiency. Her powerful groundstrokes and trademark variety left the Chinese qualifier scrambling, winning 80% of her first-serve points and converting five of seven break opportunities.
Key stats from her victory:
- Won 86% of net approaches (12/14)
- Faced zero break points
- Hit 22 winners to Yao’s 5
Frustration with the System
Despite her dominant display, Andreescu made it clear she wasn’t happy about having to navigate qualifying. "With my ranking, I get it, but I’ve won a Slam. I’ve been in the top five. The tournaments should have some flexibility," she argued, referencing the lack of wildcards for former champions.
French Open officials have historically been strict with wildcard allocations, prioritizing local players or those with recent clay-court success. Andreescu, who missed much of 2023 with a back injury, didn’t meet their criteria despite her past achievements.
The Road Ahead
Andreescu must win two more qualifying matches to reach the main draw, where she could face top seeds like Iga Świątek or Aryna Sabalenka. Her next opponent is Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, a 21-year-old ranked No. 130.
When asked about her goals for Roland Garros, she remained defiant: "I’m here to win. I didn’t come to lose in qualifiers. If they didn’t want me in the main draw, I’ll just have to fight my way in."
A Broader Debate
Andreescu’s comments reignited discussions about how Grand Slams treat former champions. Unlike the ATP, the WTA lacks a protected ranking system that accounts for injury layoffs, leaving players like Andreescu at a disadvantage.
Tennis analyst Pam Shriver weighed in on social media: "Slams should reward past success. Bianca’s a drawcard. Let her play." Others, however, argue that consistency in qualification rules is necessary for fairness.
Conclusion: A Star with a Point to Prove
Whether or not Andreescu’s criticism changes tournament policies, her performance sent an unmistakable message: she’s still a force. As she battles through qualifying, her presence alone adds intrigue to a tournament that may have underestimated her.
Her final words to reporters? "Watch me. That’s all I’ll say." With two more wins, the French Open bosses might regret not handing her that wildcard after all.