11 August 2019

Andreescu wins Rogers Cup after Williams retires hurt

Bianca Andreescu has won the Rogers Cup after a back injury forced two-time champion Serena Williams to retire hurt.

The 19-year-old Canadian was a break up 3-1 against the 23-time Grand Slam champion when the American was forced to withdraw with back spasms.

The victory is the first time a Canadian has won the women's singles title since 1969 but was not the way she was hoping to make history.

"This wasn't the way I expected to win," she said.

Turning to Serena, the teenager said: "You are truly a champion. I've watched you win so many times, you are truly a champion on and off the court."

Williams was obviously upset but has promised to keep fighting and will hopefully be back in action for the US Open next month.

"I'm sorry I couldn't do it today, I tried," she said. "It's been a tough year, but we'll keep going." 

The American superstar has only ever retired from one singles final in her career, the Rogers Cup final in 2000, the year her opponent for today was born.

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