Andreescu reflects on past triumphs over Williams ahead of Canadian Open

Nearly seven years after her historic victory, Canadian tennis player Bianca Andreescu still harbors a touch of regret for denying Serena Williams a record-tying 24th Grand Slam title. Andreescu, just 19 at the time, defeated the then 37-year-old Williams in straight sets in the 2019 U.S. Open final, marking her as the first Canadian to win a major championship.

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Maybe she just doesn't like me very much. I wouldn't blame her.

Reflecting on the match, Andreescu shared a lighthearted moment with reporters, admitting with an "awkward chuckle" that Williams might not be her biggest fan. "Maybe she just doesn't like me very much," Andreescu said, quickly adding that Williams offered "very sweet" words after the match. Andreescu also praised Williams, 44, for her return to competitive tennis after a nearly four-year retirement, calling her an even greater trailblazer.

Andreescu herself is on a comeback journey. After reaching a career-high ranking of world No. 4, she now stands at 180th due to multiple injuries and an appendectomy. She began her season on the ITF circuit, winning titles in Florida, before returning to the WTA Tour. Most recently, she lost in the first round at Wimbledon.

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To come back at her age obviously is not easy. But she's definitely becoming even more of a trailblazer than she already is to do something like that.

On Wednesday, Andreescu received a main-draw wildcard for the Canadian Open, an event she also won in 2019. She expressed renewed confidence in her health and game, stating, "Now that I've been super consistent, I think that's also giving me even more confidence to finish the season off strong." She views her current state as a "miracle" and feels "beyond grateful."

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Now that I've been super consistent, I think that's also giving me even more confidence to finish the season off strong.

While Williams is not listed in the initial Canadian Open player roster, Andreescu hopes for a future encounter. She recalled Williams' offer of help after their 2019 final but admitted she hasn't been brave enough to reach out. "Maybe now that she's on tour, I'll have the chance to talk to her," Andreescu mused.

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To me it feels like a miracle... I just feel beyond grateful and I'm just ready to continue to kick some butt.