"Things I can't control until I'm seeded again, it will be very soon" - Bianca Andreescu after Wimbledon 1R win that dragged on for 4 days
Bianca Andreescu was one of the last players to play their first-round match at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships, which was marred by numerous rain delays and interruptions on the first three days.
Andreescu faced Hungary's Anna Bondar in the opening round at the 2023 Wimbledon, which only took place on Day 4. The Canadian came out on top in the three-set battle 6-3, 3-6, 6-2.
Andreescu began the match strongly, breaking Bondar twice in the first set. But the Hungarian made a valiant comeback in the second set, breaking her opponent twice to send the match into a deciding set.
The Canadian then showed her experience at the Grand Slam level by breaking the Bondar serve two times in the third to seal the match.
In her post-match press conference, Andreescu was asked about her thoughts on kicking off her Wimbledon campaign much later than other players. The 23-year replied that while she was trying to stay positive in the situation, it was disappointing to wait around for 4 days to play the first-round match - especially since several other players had already reached the third round.
"It's definitely very frustrating having to wait around, especially when other players are in Round 3. But it is what it is. That's life right now for many of us," Andreescu said.
The World No. 37 went on to say that the only thing she could do was control whatever was in her hands until she was seeded again at Wimbledon - which the Canadian hopes will be very soon.
"So I'm just trying to control the controllables. And those things I can't control, as of now, until I'm seeded again (smiling). It will be very soon."
Bianca Andreescu to face Anhelina Kalinina in 2R at Wimbledon 2023
Bianca Andreescu will now face No. 26 seed Anhelina Kalinina in the second round of the 2023 Wimbledon Championships. The match is currently scheduled to be played on Friday, July 7, and it will be the first time the two women play each other on the WTA tour.
Andreescu commented on the Ukrainian during the press conference, praising her impressive results this year (finalist at the Italian Open) and highlighting her aggressive style of tennis. The 2019 US Open champion also revealed that she watched some of Kalinina's first round match, which took place just before her encounter against Bondar.
"She played right before me so I was able to watch the match a little bit. She's a very aggressive player. She's had some great results this year. But I think if I, you know, play my best, stay positive, not get too frustrated, then I think I can do well," the Canadian said.
Bianca Andreescu has not enjoyed much success at Wimbledon, with her previous best performance being a second-round exit last year. The former World No. 4 began her 2022 SW19 campaign with a routine straight-set win against Emina Bektas. However, she lost her subsequent match against eventual champion Elena Rybakina, 6-4, 7-6(5).