Bianca Andreescu ended a long WTA drought at the charleston open, beating Dalma Galfi 1-6, 6-4, 6-1 in the first round on Tuesday in Charleston. The 25-year-old former US Open champion snapped her tour-level losing streak and recorded her first WTA main-draw victory since last July. Andreescu has returned to higher-level events after a season of rebuilding on the ITF and WTA 125 circuits to regain match form and ranking.
Charleston Open: match facts
Andreescu, ranked No. 140, trailed early but fought back to upset world No. 84 Dalma Galfi of Hungary, reversing a loss to the same opponent earlier this year. After dropping the first set 1-6, Andreescu took the second 6-4 and dominated the third 6-1. The victory is marked as her first WTA main-draw win since July; her previous tour-level record included a run that ended with an ankle injury at last year’s National Bank Open in Montreal that prevented further play in that event.
Her decision to rebuild on lower circuits produced measurable results this season: Andreescu compiled extended match play at ITF events and WTA 125 tournaments, improving match fitness and results while lifting her ranking back toward where she formerly competed. On the ITF World Tennis Tour she amassed a deep run of wins that helped restore confidence and competitive rhythm ahead of this return to tour-level competition. The win at the charleston open halted a string of tour-level losses and gave Andreescu momentum as she moves deeper into the draw.
Immediate reactions
Bianca Andreescu, former US Open champion, reflected on the path she chose to regain form in an on-court interview: “I wanted to do that back in 2024, but I guess we can say my ego got in the way of that. I decided that maybe it’s time to put that aside and really get what I’ve been needing, which is matches. “
On the effort in Charleston, Andreescu added: “At the end of the day, it’s the effort that counts for me. If I’ve given the best I could that day, which I think I did, that’s the most important thing. And then intention, that’s what I speak about with my coach every single day. If I can give those two things, then win or lose, it doesn’t matter to me — have to be pleased with that. “
Dalma Galfi, the world No. 84 from Hungary, entered the match having held Andreescu off in a prior meeting earlier this season, but Andreescu adjusted her serving and net play as the match progressed, turning the tide late in the second set and carrying the momentum through the third.
What’s next
Andreescu will next face No. 16 seed Sofia Kenin of the United States in the second round; the matchup sets a quick test of whether the Canadian can sustain the form she rediscovered at lower levels. The charleston open victory gives Andreescu clear on-court evidence that her plan to rebuild through match play is producing results, and attention will turn to whether that progress continues against seeded opposition.
The tour now watches whether this result will propel Andreescu deeper into the draw and further restore the momentum she carried during her strong run on the ITF circuit and recent WTA 125 events at the charleston open.
