NBA Legend Kobe Bryant’s Interview Made WTA Star Bianca Andreescu Quit Alcohol

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Vivek Devane | Last updated May 20, 2025 8:49 AM ET

Bianca Andreescu, the former U.S. Open champion, is making headlines not just for her comeback performance on the court, but for the profound personal changes she’s embraced off of it. Following her first victory in the French Open qualifiers, Andreescu opened up during her post-match press conference about a powerful moment of inspiration that led her to quit alcohol — a decision she attributes to a single interview with NBA legend Kobe Bryant.

“You know when you watch something or read something, and something just clicks in you sometimes,” Andreescu explained to reporters. “I was like, ‘Okay, no more alcohol.’ Now I have no desire — it’s a good feeling."

The 24-year-old, who has faced a series of injuries and setbacks since her breakout 2019 season, has spoken candidly in the past about the mental and emotional toll that professional tennis can take. This time, she shared how Bryant’s disciplined mindset and commitment to health struck a chord with her at the right moment in her life.

“Before I never looked at myself as Bianca Andreescu, the person,” said Andreescu. “I always saw myself as Bianca Andreescu the tennis player and I identified myself too much with that and so when I would win, it was okay, and when I would lose it was the end of the world.”

Andreescu has said that she has not touched alcohol in over 6 months, and is currently focusing her entire attention on getting back to the best of her game on the WTA tour. As she battles past the qualifiers, it remains to be seen if she makes it into the main draw of the Roland Garros.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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