Andreescu Returns to Wimbledon; Gjorcheska Makes History

Bianca Andreescu has qualified for the Wimbledon main draw for the first time in nearly two years after defeating Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-3, 7-6(4). Other notable qualifiers include Lina Gjorcheska, the first player from North Macedonia to reach any Grand Slam main draw, and Maria Timofeeva, who represents Uzbekistan.

Andreescu’s victory marks a return to major competition following a series of documented injuries and illnesses. The 26-year-old Canadian previously lost in qualifying at Roland Garros 2025, Wimbledon 2025, and most recently at Roland Garros last month.

Andreescu said the win “feels like a dream come true,” noting that a 10-month period of good health has helped dissipate the “fearfulness” she previously felt when moving or striking the ball. Her last appearance in a major main draw occurred at the US Open 2024, while her last match win in a major was at Wimbledon two years ago.

How Lina Gjorcheska made history for North Macedonia

Lina Gjorcheska became the first North Macedonian player to reach a Grand Slam main draw by defeating No. 20 seed Lucia Bronzetti 6-1, 6-2. The 31-year-old has played professional tennis since 2011 and has made 13 Grand Slam qualifying appearances.

Gjorcheska reached this milestone without national federation support, overcoming financial struggles and injuries. She has won 15 ITF singles titles and 47 ITF doubles titles, maintaining a ranking in the Top 200 every year since 2023.

Gjorcheska, currently ranked No. 223, previously reached the final round of qualifying at the 2017 Australian Open and competed in a WTA main draw as a lucky loser in Biel. She stated that the dream of playing at Wimbledon served as her primary motivation.

Did You Know? Lina Gjorcheska’s journey to the Wimbledon main draw spanned over a decade, including 13 qualifying attempts and a career-high ranking of No. 170 set in 2017.

Why Maria Timofeeva changed flags and teams

No. 1 seed Maria Timofeeva reached her first Wimbledon main draw by defeating wild card Heather Watson 3-6, 6-2, 6-1. Timofeeva has rebounded from a 2025 slump where she fell out of the Top 250 due to minor injuries and mental pressure.

The athlete now plays for Uzbekistan after moving her family to Tashkent last year. She credits her recovery to a new training regimen, a Frankfurt-based team, and support from the Uzbek federation, including former Top 50 players Iroda Tulyaganova and Akgul Amanmuradova.

Timofeeva holds a 26-12 record in 2026 and recently won two WTA 125 titles in Istanbul and Makarska. She returned to the Top 100 two weeks ago, stating she has worked to focus on her own game rather than external expectations.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that Andreescu’s transition from qualifying back to the main draw suggests a critical stabilization of her physical health. If she maintains this 10-month streak of wellness, she could potentially challenge higher-seeded players who have not faced her current form.

Which other players qualified for the main draw?

Several players returned from injury or made debuts during the final qualifying rounds. Robin Montgomery extended a nine-match winning streak by beating Marina Bassols Ribera 3-6, 6-1, 6-1, while Mananchaya Sawangkaew defeated Oceane Dodin 5-7, 7-5, 6-1.

Andreescu on fire | Bianca Andreescu v Aliaksandra Sasnovich | Highlights | Wimbledon 2026

Three teenagers will make their Wimbledon debuts: 19-year-old Alina Korneeva, 18-year-old Teodora Kostovic, and 18-year-old Tyra Caterina Grant. Additionally, No. 2 seed Ashlyn Krueger defeated Polina Iatcenko 7-6(8), 6-1 to win her eighth straight match.

Mariam Bolkvadze, ranked No. 539, defeated Jeline Vandromme 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 to become the fourth Georgian to reach the Wimbledon main draw. Iryna Shymanovich also advanced after saving triple match point to defeat Katherine Sebov 4-6, 6-3, 7-6[5].

What happens next for the qualifiers?

The qualified players will now enter the main draw, where their performance may depend on their recent momentum. Timofeeva could leverage her current Top 100 form and new support system to advance further than she did in 2025.

For Andreescu, the next stage is a test of whether her health holds under the pressure of a Grand Slam main draw. Gjorcheska may use this historic appearance to seek a higher career ranking than her previous peak of No. 170.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the first player from North Macedonia to reach a Grand Slam main draw?
Lina Gjorcheska is the first player from North Macedonia to achieve this milestone.

Which country does Maria Timofeeva now represent?
Maria Timofeeva began playing for Uzbekistan in October after moving to Tashkent.

When was the last time Bianca Andreescu played in a Grand Slam main draw?
Andreescu last played in a major main draw at the US Open 2024.

Which of these comeback stories do you find most compelling as the tournament begins?