3 minute read
Bianca Andreescu has become the first teenager since Maria Sharapova to win a grand slam after her defeat of Serena Williams in the US Open final.
Teenage phenomenon Bianca Andreescu craves more after crowning her meteoric rise to sporting superstardom with victory over Serena Williams in a captivating US Open final in New York.
Ranked 178th in the world at the start of year, Andreescu overcame a dramatic second-set collapse to deny Williams a record-equalling 24th grand slam singles crown with a steely 6-3 7-5 triumph on Saturday.
Title success on her main-draw debut at Flushing Meadows marked the equal-fastest journey to grand slam glory in tennis history, matching Monica Seles' feat in winning the 1990 French Open in only her fourth major.
The fearless 19-year-old is also the first Canadian to win a singles grand slam and first teenager to hoist the US Open trophy since Maria Sharapova in 2006.
"It's so hard to explain in words but I'm just beyond grateful and truly blessed," Andreescu said after improving her record over top-10 rivals in 2019 to a remarkable eight from eight with her third title of the season.
"I've worked really hard for this moment. This year has been a dream come true and now, to play Serena on this stage, a true legend of this sport, is amazing."
Not even born when Williams won the first of six titles in New York in 1999, and after being "at home sitting on my butt" last year after failing to even qualify, Andreescu defied the doubters with an extraordinary baseline barrage as Williams once again crumbled under pressure trying to match Margaret Court's 24 singles slams.
It was the fourth consecutive grand slam final defeat for the American since returning from maternity leave after the birth of her daughter Olympia in September 2017.
But this one will likely hurt most with Williams injury free and finally back to full fitness, adamant pre-match she'd never been better prepared to return to the grand slam winners' circle.
But she was gracious in defeat.
"Bianca played an unbelievable match, so congratulations. I'm so proud and happy for you. Yeah, it was incredible tennis," Williams said after sixth loss from her past seven grand slam finals - after winning 22 of her first 26.
"Yeah, it was incredible tennis. I wish I could have played better but if anyone could win this tournament, outside of Venus and me, it's Bianca."
The near-19-year age gap between the two finalists in New York was the largest in open-era tennis, but it was the rookie who rose to the occasion.
Andreescu dominated the match and only blinked when trying to close it out from 6-3 5-1 up.
But after dropping four games straight as Williams levelled up the second set set at 5-5, Andreescu eventually broke the American for a fifth time to clinch the championship on her third match point after one hour and 40 minutes.
Andreescu pocketed a cheque for $US3.85 million ($A5.63 million) - more than doubling her career on-court earnings - and will jump from 15th to world No.5 when the rankings are updated on Monday.
The teenage sensation never imagined such fame and fortune would come so fast.
"I never really thought about being famous. My goals have been to just win as many grand slams as possible, become No.1 in the world," Andreescu said.
"But the idea of fame never really crossed my mind.
"I'm not complaining, though. It's been a crazy ride this year. I can definitely get used to this feeling."
