Champions of Change: Bianca Andreescu
Meet Bianca Andreescu, Canadian tennis legend.
She was the first Canadian tennis player to win a major singles title and the Canadian Open in 50 years. With a career world ranking of #4, we’re lucky to have her a part of the team as HIA #217 as she helps humans on, off, and around the court.
We’re lucky we got the chance to get to know what makes this legend tick.
Morning Bianca!
Hey team.
Can you think of a pivotal moment in your career that paved your path as an athlete?
Well, in 2021 I took a mental health break. During which I realised a whole bunch of things but mainly how my goal as a tennis player is to help others in anyway that I can. Whether it’s on the court or off the court or through social media, I just want to use tennis as a platform for good. Of course I love playing the sport, but the main passion that drives me on is helping others.
What would you say is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
There’s “as you think so shall you become” (thanks Bruce Lee) and “it's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters”.
Who has been your biggest inspiration in sports or life?
My mom. She has taught me everything I know today. She is both my role model, and my rock. Honestly, if I can be half the person that she is, I’ve won at life!
Bianca and her mother Maria Andreescu, with pup Coco.
How would you say you stay motivated and focused when you’re playing?
Mentally I try to practise gratitude and remember the incredible opportunity I have to play this sport professionally. Physically, I use different variations of breath work, including the Wim Hof method. Pre-game, I’ll meditate and often use a technique called visualisation.
Do you have a pre-game ritual, song, or meal?
Chicken and rice! Haha you can’t go wrong with that! Like I said above, I like to meditate before my matches to calm the nerves and then listen to hip-hop to hype me up.
What does a typical training day look like for you?
Two hours of training in the morning, then an hour and a half of fitness and occasionally I’ll have an extra hour and a half or two hours of practice in the afternoon.
What is the strangest yet most effective training that's worked for you?
Hiking and swimming.
What has been the biggest challenge you've faced in your career and how did you overcome it?
Injuries have been a huge struggle for me, but I always try to take them on as something positive. As a means to learn more about myself and my body. They’re always an opportunity to get stronger mentally.
I can relate! What is it about your mindset that you feel has helped you to succeed in your sport?
I believe that my fearless attitude has helped me tremendously. But then the motivation of playing to help other people through sport gives me a sense of purpose that lasts longer than any endorphin could.
Ladies and gentlemen, Bianca Andreescu. We wish you all the best in your upcoming match at the US Open, here’s to taking home the title for a second time after your epic win in 2019!
To follow Bianca @biancaandeescu_
