Rome: Bianca Andreescu on the brink of Top 100 return after Elena Rybakina upset

ROME, Italy—Bianca Andreescu is a win away from ensuring herself a return to the Top 100 after getting revenge on Elena Rybakina, 6-2, 6-4 in the third round of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia.

A former world No. 4, Andreescu started the week ranked No. 121 after missing the first three months of the season due to personal reasons and later an emergency appendix surgery, but the 2019 US Open champion appears in fine form after losing to Rybakina only a week ago at the Mutua Madrid Open.

“In Madrid, I felt like I was a bit too stubborn on some things. I didn’t feel open to trying new things like I did today,” said Andreescu, who is playing in Rome with a protected ranking.

“I knew that I had to change the rhythm as much as I can. I don’t think I’ve ever changed the rhythm as much as I did today, with my slice and my heavy shots trying to push her back, too, as much as possible, because when she steps in, that’s when she’s at her best. I was also trying to disrupt her service rhythm, so I was trying different things with the return and that worked in my favor.”

Andreescu will play either No. 8 seed Zheng Qinwen or No. 26 seed Magdalena Freçh to not only reach her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal since the 2022 Italian Open but also guarantee a return to the Top 100.

Read more: New racquet, sober lifestyle kickstarts Andreescu comeback

Though she is currently ranked No. 100 in the live rankings, a fourth-round win would earn her an additional 95 ranking points, which would bring her into the mid-80s.

“I didn’t necessarily set goals for myself besides process goals, nothing regarding ranking or whatnot,” said Andreescu. “Obviously, it would be nice to crack the Top 100, but I know that if I keep up with everything to get there—whether that’s diet, sleep, mentality, putting in the work during practice—I know it’ll come.”

I just have to be patient because I can still be 10 years on tour if I want. So, I’m trying not to put too much pressure on myself. Bianca Andreescu

The 24-year-old burst onto the tennis scene when, as a teenager, she stunned Serena Williams to win her first Grand Slam title, but numerous injuries have largely kept her off the tour for the last six years. Andreescu spent this latest hiatus revamping her nutrition and fitness routines, changed racquets and brought back former coach Antonio Cantisano, who she worked with in 2023.

“I was off for quite some time, but I had a better mentality going into that break than maybe three years ago. I’m learning more about myself, which I think is super important and what life is all about. Sometimes I can get too much in my head with these things, and I might feel that time is against me, but I have to realize I’m still only 24. I do see all these youngsters starting to do well, and in a way I can put myself in their shoes.

“I just have to be patient because I can still be 10 years on tour if I want. So, I’m trying not to put too much pressure on myself.”