Bianca Andreescu Reveals Why She Broke Down Before Rogers Cup Finals Against Serena Williams

For those without a razor-sharp memory, the Canadian Bianca Andreescu was the winner of the 2019 US Open. Following that, she had a rough 2020, just like the rest of the world. Now, after a complete year outside tennis, she is looking to return to the big stage again. Amidst her recovery process, she talked about her US Open finals opponent and 23 Grand Slams winner Serena Williams.

The American professional and former World No. 1 has etched an everlasting impression through her impeccable tennis. Remembering their two previous encounters, the 20-year-old shared what it was like to be standing against Serena Williams.

“Watched Serena Williams play my entire life”: Bianca Andreescu

Before the finals in New York, Bianca met Serena in the finals of Canadian Masters the same year. The pressure of playing in front of her countrymen, added to that the weight of being Serena’s opponent, Bianca was truly in a tough spot.

She explained, “My coach was giving me a pep talk and I just burst it down and I cried for a good five minutes. That was right before the match. I was still wiping down my tears when I was walking on the court to put my bag down.”

The match, however, ended in just four games (3-1) as Serena forfeited, giving Bianca a master’s trophy. Bianca, looking back at the emotional moment, added,

“It was everything. I was playing in front of my home crowd. I was playing against one of the best players of all time who I’ve watched play my entire life.

Between the pair, Bianca holds an advantage of 2 games against Serena’s nil. As the Australian Open 2021 approaches, the fans might see them play in front of each other again.

“They were for Serena”: Bianca on the crowd in 2019 US Open final

The fans in the stands have always been an eternal part of tennis. They are one of the big reasons behind a player’s success. Looking back at the US Open Finals, she said, “The crowd was definitely loud, but it was nice to hear that. The difference wasn’t as big because Serena’s Serena.”

The highest-ranked Canadian WTA player added, “But during the match, you could tell that obviously, they were for her.”

Losing a 5-1 lead to make it 5-5, Bianca managed to take the title home as she defeated Serena in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5.

Also Read: “Perfectly Healthy”: Bianca Andreescu Announces Her Comeback Date