Bianca Andreescu reveals reason behind her heartwarming gesture for Alexandra Eala: “Nobody was friendly with me on tour”

Former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu recently shared the touching reason behind her heartfelt gesture toward rising tennis star Alexandra Eala. The Canadian opened up about her own experience as a young player on the tour, recalling a lonely start to her professional career.

“I met her in Thailand two years ago. I remember watching her and thinking, ‘She’s going to be good.’ She’s a really good person,” Andreescu told The National. “To be honest, I didn’t have anyone reach out to me when I was starting. Nobody was friendly with me on tour. No one would even say hi.”

Motivated by her past, Andreescu made it a point to support Eala early on in her journey:

“I told myself, I don’t want the next generation to feel that way. I know it’s a competitive environment, but at the same time, we women are the only ones who really understand each other. So I reached out to her—and she knows she can always come to me.”

Andreescu’s comments highlight the importance of mentorship and solidarity among women in tennis, often overshadowed by the sport’s intensely competitive atmosphere.

Meanwhile, five-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek also weighed in on Eala’s development after facing her at the Miami Open:

“I didn’t expect her to play that flat, but she was really aggressive and focused. Some of her shots came out of nowhere, but it was clear she had the intention to push forward—and it worked for her today.”

As Eala continues to rise through the ranks, the support from seasoned players like Andreescu signals a positive shift in the culture of the women’s tour.