Bianca Andreescu recalls comforting Serena Williams after 2019 Toronto final

• Tennis News
• Serena Williams

Former world No. 4 Bianca Andreescu said she was happy to see what was the reaction after she approached Serena Williams to provide her comfort after an unfortunate end to their 2019 Toronto final. Just four games into the 2019 Toronto final, Williams retired injured as Andreescu lifted her first title in Toronto.

After Williams retired due to back spasms, Andreescu approached her and gave her a hug. Andreescu's gesture received praise on social media and the Canadian says that's one of the moments she realized the importance of women supporting other women.

"That final was kind of crappy because of what she (Serena Williams) had to go through; she was very emotional at the end. Being able to be there and kind of comfort her in a way, I hope I did, at least," Andreescu told TSN Sports, per Sportskeeda.

"It was super amazing because the (response) that happened afterwards on social media of 'women supporting other women' was incredible and it made me realize a lot about how there should be more of that not only in our sport but in our world."

Andreescu set to return to Toronto

In 2020, Toronto was canceled because of the pandemic.

Last year, the National Bank Open was held in Montreal and Andreescu was beaten in the last-16 by Ons Jabeur. This year, it's Toronto's turn to host the women's National Bank Open. Andreescu, 22, is set to play in Toronto for the third time.

In 2017, Andreescu made her Toronto debut, when she was beaten in the first round by Timea Babos. Two years later, Andreescu put up a great run in Toronto to lift her first title at the National Bank Open. Andreescu didn't impress at the National Bank Open in Montreal last year and now she will certainly be motivated to put up a much better run at the tournament this year. The National Bank Open is scheduled to take place between August 8-14.