Is there anything Bianca Andreescu can’t do? Any time a challenge seems too great to overcome, the 19-year-old raises her level and conquers the adversity.
On Thursday night under the lights, Andreescu battled her nerves and emotions, defeating World No. 13 Belinda Bencic 7-6, 7-5 to reach her first Grand Slam final. The inaugural Canadian to make the US Open final.
”If you had told me a year ago, that I would be in the US Open final, I would have said you were crazy,” stated Andreescu after her match.
After surviving Elise Mertens in a three set battle, Andreescu came out firing in the first set. She staved off five break point opportunities and in the tiebreaker, showcased her plethora of ground strokes to take the opening set 7-3.
In the second set, Bencic came out the aggressor, securing two breaks on Andreescu’s serve to go up 5-2. Once again, in the adverse moments, the Canadian showcased her fearlessness.
From changing the pace with a slice to the effective drop shot, Andreescu was able to break Bencic three times, winning five games in a row to win the match.
US Open Final: Bianca Andreescu vs Serena Williams
Awaiting in the US Open final is a familiar foe for Andreescu. 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams, who the Canadian defeated in her home country at the Rogers Cup final. A match that was cut short due to Serena’s withdrawal as a result of a back injury.
Andreescu and Williams’ post match exchange showed the youthful Canadian’s humility and graciousness, in a tense environment. But on Saturday, the teenager knows that Serena will be bringing her best brand of tennis, looking to tie Margaret Court’s in total Grand Slams.
One year ago, Bianca Andreescu lost in the qualifying round of the US Open. A year later on Saturday, she will look to become the first Canadian to secure a Grand Slam in the Open Era.
Milos Raonic and Eugenie Bouchard both made finals but failed to close the deal. One thing is for sure, Andreescu’s relentless brand of tennis will give Serena all she can handle in front of the raucous New York crowd.
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