Bianca Andreescu is taking a different path than most Romans during this time. She is avoiding pasta, tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, and even Italian wine.
“Being in Rome now, it’s so difficult,” Andreescu said Wednesday. “But I know that it makes me feel good. I haven’t had alcohol in six months. Six months sober, and I plan to keep going.”
The 2019 US Open champion has faced many injuries and illnesses since her breakthrough. Her latest setback was emergency appendix surgery in February. She recently started her 2025 clay season but lost three of her first four matches before the Internazionali d’Italia.
On Wednesday, Andreescu beat 20-year-old Italian wild card Federica Urgesi 6-0, 6-3. She will face No. 20 seed Donna Vekic in the second round on Friday.
At 24 years old, Andreescu shared with reporters how her strict diet and recovery have made her feel hopeful about her career. Physically, she has changed a lot.
“People have been complimenting my body,” she said with a laugh. “I’m getting leaner with age. Most of my injuries came from being a bit overweight. Too much stress on my joints and ligaments. Getting leaner has been a big goal for me.”
Andreescu, ranked No. 121 in the PIF WTA rankings, has become very knowledgeable about nutrition. She follows the principles of Dave Asprey, creator of the “Bulletproof Diet” and bestselling author.
“He avoids certain vegetables that I used to eat,” she explained. “Cutting them out completely changed how I feel. I feel less bloated.”
She has gone from 85 percent to fully gluten-free and dairy-free. She also adjusts her diet based on where she is. For example, she prefers chickpeas and beans in Europe because of the soil quality. She is a fan of Asprey’s coffee brand and is wary of mold in coffee beans.
“I could talk all day about nutrition,” Andreescu said.
But what she really wants to do is play tennis.
After five straight first-round losses in WTA 1000 events, she made progress at the Madrid Open but then lost to Elena Rybakina.
Does she feel unlucky with so many comebacks?
“Oh, yes, in a way,” Andreescu said. “Sometimes I wonder if this is just how my career is supposed to go. But I try to stay positive. Every season is a learning experience. My challenge might be my body.”
She added, “Recovering from surgery takes months and months. I feel good now. No pain, which is the most important thing. I have a strong mindset for this new season. But I say that every season.”
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