Google News WTA Toronto: Serena Williams retires to hand the title to Bianca Andreescu
by JOVICA ILIC | VIEW 12640
The 19-year-old Bianca Andreescu has become the first Canadian champion at home WTA event in 50 years, spending only 19 minutes on the court as Serena Williams had to retire while trailing 3-1. Playing in the final 19 years after the first one here at the Canadian Open, Serena gave her best to challenge the young rival and chase the crown but an upper back injury proved to be too tough to handle, not being able to finish what could have been a thrilling contest between two aggressive ball-strikers.
Williams saved a break point in the first game of the match with a backhand down the line winner before getting broken two games later after a double fault. Her body language was far from best and it was all over when Bianca held in game four to confirm the break and move 3-1 up.
Serena couldn't continue and we could have heard some encouraging and comfort words from the youngster who was barely born when the great champion fought for the title here for the first time. Thus, Bianca has added the second big title to her tally in the season full of ups and downs, making a great start until Indian Wells and having to deal with a shoulder injury ever since Miami, missing all the tournament except Roland Garros where she lost early as well.
Making a full return in front of the home fans, Andreescu gave her 120% to overcome all the rivals before the final, ousting three top-10 players in total to improve her tally against them to a perfect 7-0 at such a young age.
With these points, Bianca will make a debut in the top-15 on Monday and we should see a lot from this outstanding teenager at the US Open, heading to New York as one of the favorites if she brings her 'A-game.'
