TORONTO– Bianca Andreescu’s childhood dream is now a reality. Her first tournament back after five months of a shoulder injury, Andreescu is once again a WTA champion. But it was in a way that was unexpected. Serena Williams, after going down a break and 3-1 in the first set, withdrew due to an upper back injury. The three-time Rogers Cup champion called the physio but in tears, knew she could not continue. As a result of the withdrawal, the 19-year-old teenage sensation became the first Canadian since Faye Urban in 1969 to win the Rogers Cup on home soil.
“I’m speechless right now,” said Andreescu after raising the trophy. “This week has been a tough week for me. But I’ve always remained positive.”
Coming into this tournament, Serena Williams had described herself as “injury-free” for the first time all season. But after a tough three-set match in the semifinals, it is clear that physically Williams was not one hundred percent. With Williams clearly distraught at her chair, it was Andreescu, a full 18 years younger than her, who consoled her and made her laugh. It is clear that this could be the beginning of mutual respect between the aging veteran and rising young star.
“Serena, you are a champion through and through,” stated Andreescu. “I have watched you your whole life, I have so much respect for you.”
Bianca Andreescu is On the Rise
Bianca Andreescu is the first unseeded winner at the
Rogers Cup since Belinda Bencic took home the title in
2015. Not only has she won 27 of 31 matches this season, but her latest victory gives her 24 wins on hard courts – the most on the WTA Tour.
On Monday, Andreescu will now be 14th in the WTA Rankings, putting her within striking distance of qualifying to the WTA Finals in Shenzhen. This is her third WTA win this season, her first two coming in Newport Beach and Indian Wells.
With her undeniable tenacity and charming personality, it is hard not to imagine how successful the future can look for Andreescu. Given how she had only played one match.
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