Canadian tennis star Bianca Andreescu answers questions from kids

Bianca Andreescu has some advice about breakfast.

"What I like to eat is oatmeal because it really sustains me for a long period of time, but I choose gluten-free because I do have some intolerance," said the 21-year-old tennis star from Mississauga, Ont.

Andreescu is the only Canadian to win a Grand Slam singles title. She achieved it at the 2019 U.S. Open after defeating tennis great Serena Williams in the final, 6–3, 7–5.

"So gluten-free oats with berries, nuts for some healthy fats, and then I'll have two eggs for protein on the side."

Andreescu answered questions posed to her over video by children who take tennis lessons at Ontario Racquet Club in Mississauga, where she trained as a child.

Louis asked how old Andreescu was when she first picked up the sport.

"I started playing tennis at the age of seven. Prior to that I played a bunch of other sports," she said.

"But the one true thing I loved to play was tennis, so I stuck with that and now it's been 15 years."

The Sunday Magazine's Piya Chattopadhyay spoke to Andreescu recently about her new children's book, Bibi's Got Game: A Story about Tennis, Meditation and a Dog Named Coco. She also answered questions sent to The Sunday Magazine from children at her former club.

"How do you motivate yourself before a match when you're anxious?" asked Scarlett.

"I really like to listen to music because it just helps me get out of my thoughts," said Andreescu. "And it helps me get very pumped up before my matches. I like to listen to things that are more upbeat and inspirational.

"And then I also like to do a meditation practice because that helps me calm down. That's something super simple, just focusing on my breath."   

Andreescu says she does that for about five minutes,