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Chances are you have never seen Bianca Andreescu play on clay. Unless you caught some of her dominating Fed Cup performance against The Netherlands in February, the only recent video of the Canadian on dirt is a two-minute clip of her 2018 Roland Garros qualifying loss to Richel Hogenkamp… and that’s about it.

Given her lack of WTA clay-court experience, combined with her recent two-month absence due to a shoulder injury, Andreescu's chances of success at the French Open would appear slim at best. But that could not be further from the truth.

In fact, clay might be her best surface.

“I absolutely love the clay," Andreescu told TENNIS.com. "This surface suits my game style the most because I love hitting heavy topspin balls and drop shots. These shots are most effective on clay when executed correctly.”

The 18-year-old has shown off her strength and flexibility during her meteoric rise in 2019, and now we know where she got it from. Andreescu grew up playing many different sports, but two of them in particular—ballet and figure skating—may have given her instincts suited for clay tennis. If you can skate on ice, sliding on a court shouldn't be a problem.

Short on clay prep, Andreescu long on confidence at Roland Garros

Short on clay prep, Andreescu long on confidence at Roland Garros

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Andreescu is also no stranger to Roland Garros. She has played the junior tournament two times; Monday will mark her third appearance at the pro level. But this is her first time in the main draw.

“My game now versus last year has evolved considerably,” said the world No. 23, who will face 118th-ranked lucky loser Marie Bouzková in her opener. “This time will be different because I am seeded and will not have to survive an aggressive qualifying draw just to play a top level player in the first round.”

“I can’t wait, it’s going to be so much fun!”

Andreescu's match fitness may be a concern due to her recent injury layoff—she hasn't played since Miami—but the Canadian remains confident: “It will take some time to get back into match shape after a long absence, but my goal is to improve with each match and to win it all.”

And win it all she could. After her performance at Indian Wells, Andreescu won't be overlooked again. If she can get through her first two matches, she is projected to face Serena Williams in the third round.

Short on clay prep, Andreescu long on confidence at Roland Garros

Short on clay prep, Andreescu long on confidence at Roland Garros