Andreescu explains her support for Eala: "No one was nice to me on the tour, and I didn’t want the next generation to feel that"

Bianca Andreescu won her first match of the year yesterday by advancing past the first round of the Madrid WTA 1000.

Before facing Elena Rybakina tomorrow, the Canadian was asked by journalist Reem Abulleil about the support she showed for Alexandra Eala after her historic run in Miami:

"I met her in Thailand two years ago. I had seen her play and knew she was going to be a great player. I try to put myself in her shoes, even if the circumstances are different.

To be honest, no one reached out to me when I first started on tour. No one was nice, no one even said hello.

After that, I told myself I didn’t want the next generation to feel that way. I know we’re in a competitive environment, but as women, we understand each other. So yes, I reached out to her, and she knows she can come to me.

I also reached out to Mirra (Andreeva)—it was the same idea. I’m here if they need to talk. And we try to stay in touch."