WTA star Bianca Andreescu suffered another setback in her quest to return to Grand Slam main draws, falling to compatriot Carson Branstine 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-1 in the second round of Wimbledon qualifying on Wednesday.
The Canadian player has faced unexpected defeats throughout 2025, including her quarterfinal exit at the Libema Open, followed by her opening round defeat in Berlin.
Andreescu’s Struggle to Reach Grand Slam Main Draws Continues
After securing her first-ever Grand Slam title at the 2019 US Open, Andreescu became a victim of recurring injuries and illnesses. The WTA star couldn’t complete a full season post-2019 and even missed the early part of 2025 due to emergency appendix surgery.
Following her defeat against Branstine in the qualifying round at Wimbledon, tennis fans expressed their frustration over her continued struggles amid ongoing injury concerns. The former world No. 4, currently ranked No. 147, has now failed to reach the main draw in two consecutive Grand Slams after also falling in Roland Garros qualifying to Japan’s Nao Hibino.
Prior to the all-Canadian clash, one fan had already expressed concerns about her trajectory, writing: “Watching Bianca Andreescu go from winning the US Open to now not being able to even qualify for majors. One of the more disappointing Canadian athletes. It’s too bad. A lot of talent.”
Watching Bianca Andreescu go from winning the US Open to now not being able to even qualify for majors. One of the more disappointing Canadian athletes. It’s too bad. A lot of talent.
— JABO Vancouver (@jabo_vancouver) June 25, 2025
Another tennis observer noted her inconsistent performance levels, mentioning how she struggles even in lower-tier tournaments. “I would tell andreescu to play 125k but she’ll just lose r1 anyways she’s better off playing the 500s and 1000s as there’s a higher chance of her winning their than a 125k,” the fan wrote.
I would tell andreescu to play 125k but she’ll just lose r1 anyways😭she’s better off playing the 500s and 1000s as there’s a higher chance of her winning their than a 125k💀
— Jai | I’m Not Okay (@VikaArynafansss) June 25, 2025
A tennis analyst highlighted the harsh reality of Grand Slam qualifying, noting: “Andreescu falling victim to the Slam qualifying carousel for 2nd event in a row. The hype around her wasn’t as high as it was at RG after her Rome run, but still a good example on how brutal these competitions are. Being in MD or being the favorite to make MD is a huge difference.”
Andreescu falling victim to the Slam qualifying carousel for 2nd event in a row. The hype around her wasn’t as high as it was at RG after her Rome run, but still a good example on how brutal these competitions are. Being in MD or being the favorite to make MD is a huge difference
— Damian Kust (@damiankust) June 25, 2025
The dramatic fluctuations in Andreescu’s form have particularly puzzled fans. One observer pointed to her recent victory over Elena Rybakina in Rome, stating: “6 weeks ago she beat top 20 players. Huge fluctuations.”
Indeed, Andreescu defeated the former Wimbledon champion 6-2, 6-4 in the third round of the Italian Open in May, showcasing the talent that once made her a Grand Slam champion.
6 weeks ago she beat top 20 players . Huge fluctuations.
— phil d (@Dphil82) June 25, 2025
Some fans have begun looking toward Canada’s next generation of tennis talent. “New Queens of Canadian tennis. Mboko and Branstine,” wrote one supporter, highlighting 18-year-old Victoria Mboko and the victorious Branstine as the country’s emerging stars.
New Queens of Canadian tennis. Mboko and Branstine
— WaterszPickz (@WaterszPickz) June 25, 2025
The 25-year-old Canadian has tried numerous approaches to address her challenges, from fixing her diet and mindset to changing equipment and training methods. This includes going sober, adopting a gluten-free and dairy-free “bulletproof” regime, and switching racquets. Despite these efforts, consistency has remained elusive for the former world No. 4.
Branstine’s Heartfelt Words About Her Longtime Friend
Before their qualifying clash, Branstine expressed deep admiration for her compatriot and longtime friend. The pair have a history dating back to their junior days, when they won Grand Slam doubles titles together at the 2017 Australian Open and French Open.
“I love that girl. We’ll go to the grave together for sure. Bianca has one of the best hearts on tour, and I’m so blessed to call her one of my best friends,” she said, as reported by WTA Tennis.
Branstine, ranked No. 197, will now face Raluca Georgina Serban of Cyprus in the final round of qualifying, with a coveted main draw berth at Wimbledon on the line. The match is scheduled for Thursday, June 26th.
