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“That’s What She Reminded Me Of” Hockey Legend Wayne Gretzky Had a Fitting Tribute for Young Tennis Star Before Her Sensational Victory Over Serena Williams at 2019 US Open

Published 11/16/2022, 5:15 PM EST

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Born in Ontario, Canada, Bianca Andreescu created history through her exceptional tennis. Winning the Orange Bowl in 2015, Bianca set the bar high. Hockey champion Wayne Gretzky also had warm words about the tennis legend in a viral video. 

NHL legend Wayne Gretzky spoke openly about Bianca Andreescu’s spectacular win in the 2019 US Open finale. This moment was very special, as it was Bianca’s debut in the US Open. Bianca then, 19 years of age, was one of the youngest to reach the finale on her debut. The fact that she’d played against Serena Williams, who had won 23 grand slams in her career, made it momentous. 

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Wayne Gretzky’s memorable tribute to US Open champion

In an interview, which was posted by TSN, Wayne compared Bianca with Bobby Clarke. “This is the hardest-working athlete I’ve seen since Bobby Clarke. It’s special, it’s unique”, Wayne said about Bianca. Bobby Clarke was one of the best, all-time ice-hockey players, who also took captaincy of the Flyers team. 

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Wayne also compared Bianca with Carly Basset. “Carly Bassett sort of set the bar and this young lady is pushing it over the top makes it even more special.” Carly Bassett is a legendary tennis player who reached the US Open Semifinals and the French Open quarterfinals. Gretzky’s comparison of Bianca with these legendary sportsmen reflects that Bianca’s place is among the great. 

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Wayne also gave examples of Beliveau, Orr, Mike Weir, Milos, and Denis whose contribution has been immense to their sports. The fact that he also spoke of Bianca in this video reflects that her contribution is also invaluable to her sport. 

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In another talk, Wayne spoke of his admiration for how well Bianca handled the pressure. “I don’t think we could have a better hero in our country for young kids,” he said

What is Bianca Andreescu doing now? 

Currently, Bianca is focusing on her mental health and has not taken part in any match in 2022. She also took part in a Wisdom and Wellbeing program to improve her mental health. 

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Wayne’s interview has once again made us realize the immense contribution of Bianca and other sportsmen in their chosen sport. What do you think of Wayne’s heartwarming tribute to Bianca? 

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Written by:

Priya Hinduja

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Priya Hinduja is a US Sports author for EssentiallySports. Post pursuing her Master's Degree in English, she worked as an English language trainer at Osmos Club and also dabbled with marketing at Debugee Technologies Pvt Ltd for a year. With a keen interest in playing chess and badminton in her leisure time, she also follows the activities of Michael Phelps, whose story motivates and inspires her.
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Edited by:

Pritam Priyedarshi