Bianca Andreescu has continued Serena Williams’ recent trend of heartbreaks in major finals as she roared to a 6-3, 7-5, win over the lacklustre American to clinch the US Open title.
The world No.15, who had previously never gone beyond the second round of a major tournament until this year’s New York event, showed no signs of intimidation throughout the 99-minute encounter. Despite playing in the biggest final of her career against one of the all-time greats. Andreescu hit 18 winners to 17 unforced errors, compared to Williams’ tally of 33 and 33. Overall, she won eight more points than her opponent in the final.
“It’s so hard to explain in words, but I’m just beyond grateful and truly blessed. I’ve worked really, really hard for this moment.” Andreescu said during the trophy ceremony.
“This year has been a dream come true and being able to play on this stage against Serena, a true legend of this sport, is amazing.”
The clash on the Arthur Ashe Stadium was one between a tour veteran and a teenage rising star. 23-time grand slam champion Williams is more than 18 years older than her rival. Making it the largest ever age gap between two grand slam finalists in the Open Era. Despite the disparity in experience, it was the 19-year-old Andreescu who dominated from the onset with a combination of her fearless play and tactic of hitting numerous body serves. The Canadian got her first breakthrough in the opening game after a Williams double fault handed her an early break. In the driving seat, Andreescu managed to maintain her stronghold. Silencing the usually animated New York crowd.
Williams continued to fight hard with glimpses of her best tennis. Best illustrated by a 10-minute service game where she saved five break points. However, she was constantly on her back footing against some sublime play coming from across the court. Unfortunately for Williams, the set ended like the first game of the match with a double fault to send Andreescu nearer to the title.
The clinical start to the encounter by the 15th seed scrambled Williams’ mind as her error tally continued to hurt her. Within the blink of an eye, Andreescu moved to a set and 2-0 up after dismantling the former world No.1s service game yet again by breaking to love.
Eventually, Williams managed to break back, but she failed to gain any momentum. Cries of frustration started to erupt on the court as the American made some baffling shots. As she began to fall apart on the court, Andreescu stuck to her game plan and refused to be overwhelmed by the occasion.
Leading 6-2, 5-1, Andreescu looked set for a comprehensive victory. However, Williams refused to back down as she staged a remarkable resurgence. Saving a match point with a clean forehand return, she managed to turn her fortunes around by claiming four games in a row.
“I just tried to fight at that point, tried to stay out there (on court) for a little bit longer.” Said Williams. “Honestly, the fans started cheering so hard it made me play a little bit better and fight a little bit more.”
Facing a new dimension in the match, Andreescu found herself contending with a very different player compared to that at the start of the final. Still, she continued to weather the storm. 23 minutes after losing her first match point, she worked herself to another two after a Williams backhand drifted wide. Eventually, the victory was sealed after a tentative Williams serve was punished with a Andreescu forehand winner. Giving her the title as Canada’s first singles grand slam champion.
“Obviously it was expected for Serena to fight back. She’s done that so many times in the past.That’s why she is a true champion on and off the court.” Andreescu reflected.
“I just tried to block everything out. The last game wasn’t easy. She started serving well better too, the balls were flying everywhere. I’m just glad with how I managed (the situation) really.”
It is now the fourth time Williams has lost in the final of a grand slam since becoming a mother. Her previous losses were to Angelique Kerber at Wimbledon 2018, Naomi Osaka in their infamous clash at the US Open last year and Simona Halep at Wimbledon a couple of months ago. Ensuring that Margaret Court’s all-time grand slam record remains solely hers until at least 2020.
“Bianca played an unbelievable match. I’m so proud and happy for you.” The former champion stated. “There was some incredible tennis, but I wished I could have played a bit better.”
Andreescu is now eight out of eight against top 10 players on the tour this season. Her triumph at Flushing Meadows follows up on titles won at the Rogers Cup and in Indian Wells. She will rise to fifth in the world rankings on Monday in what will be her top 10 debut.
“I tried to prepare my best like I do with every other match. I try to step onto the court and not focus on who I’m playing. I’m really proud with how I have dealt with everything.“ She concluded.
https://twitter.com/usopen/status/1170463512491114497
