TORONTO, Canada - Bianca Andreescu’s breakthrough season was recognized by Tennis Canada, who announced Tuesday that the 17-year-old was named 2017 Female Player of the Year, as well as Singles Player of the Year. In addition, Andreescu, who took home two Grand Slam doubles titles at the at the Junior Australian Open and Junior French Open, was also named Junior Player of the Year.
Andreescu successfully negotiated the transition from Junior Circuit, and in July was named WTA Breakthrough Player of the Month for her quarterfinal run at the Citi Open in Washington DC, which was also her WTA main draw debut.
“I want to thank Tennis Canada for these amazing honours,” Andreescu said. “By its very nature winning all three of these awards this year tells you this was a transitional year for me. Honestly, the learning curve was intense and steep.
“However, when I look back at my two Grand Slam championships with Carson and qualifying for Wimbledon, my first WTA quarter-final, my first Rogers Cup main draw, an amazing Fed Cup victory on the WTA circuit and several ITF accomplishments, I am very pleased with the year overall.
“I want to thank my team of coaches and trainers for their support and hard work throughout the year. Without them this would not be possible.”
Gabriela Dabrowski and Carol Zhao were also honored by Tennis Canada, who were named Doubles Player of the Year and Most Improved Player of the Year, respectively.
Dabrowski made history for Canada this year when she became the first player from her country to capture a Grand Slam title, winning the Roland Garros mixed doubles crown alongside Rohan Bopanna. She also claimed the biggest WTA title of her career at the Miami Open with Xu Yifan, and qualified for the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global.
Zhao started the season ranked World No.491 and improved over 300 spots to currently sit at No.147. Season highlights include a 100K title in Shenzhen and a 25K title in Nanao, Japan, her first professional title.
