After Roland Garros effort ends, Bianca Andreescu reflects on 'dream' return to competition

Bianca Andreescu is feeling optimistic after a "dream" return to competition at Roland Garros.

In her first Grand Slam action since Wimbledon last summer, the 2019 US Open champion defeated Sara Sorrbes Tormo and No. 23 seed Anna Kalinskaya, the latter from a set down, before losing in three sets in Paris to No. 12 seed Jasmine Paolini, the Dubai champion.

Andreescu had been sidelined by a back problem since last year's Rogers Cup. She revealed in Paris that the injury was a stress fracture, and Roland Garros also marked her first tournament of 2024. Her latest injury-induced layoff forced the soon-to-be 24-year-old to be introspective, telling Roland Garros reporters that she previously "always identified \[herself\] too much with the sport," and wanted to "tune in" to herself.

That spirit lingered in the social media update she gave fans as she left Paris.

"Ten months ago I had no idea when I would be able to compete again. To be back so soon with what I dealt with is a dream," the 2019 US Open champion wrote on Instagram Sunday.

Candidly, she confessed: "I finally feel something I haven’t felt in a long time ... hope!"

Candor has been a theme in Andreescu's public comments during her latest comeback. Speaking to the Match Point Canada podcast last month prior to her return, Andreescu said that she feels older than she is because of the physical and mental toll she's experienced over the last five years.

"The universe likes to test us in different ways," she said. "The hardest test of my life is dealing with physical injuries, in addition to the mental health problems, which in a way go hand in hand. I don't regret any of them, I have learned a lot about myself through the challenges I have had to face more than through the victories and happy times."

But she hasn't been able to conquer those challenges alone: Signing off, Andreescu thanked fans, and those who've supported her through her latest bout of adversity.

"I know my career has been very challenging thus far (who’s [sic] isn’t in their own way though) but it helped me discover life in such a fascinating way (more on that another time) and I wouldn’t trade it for the world," she added.

Currently ranked No. 228 due to inactivity, Andreescu was entered in Paris with a protected ranking, which she also used to enter Wimbledon next month.