By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday August 10, 2022

In the summer of 2019, Bianca Andreescu enjoyed the biggest moments of her tennis career – with both of them coming at Serena Williams’ expense.



The Canadian became the first woman from her country to win the title in Canada, defeating Williams in an abbreviated final (due to a back injury that forced Williams to retire). A month later she won the US Open, denying Williams a 24th major title in the process, 6-3, 7-5.

On Tuesday in Toronto, after defeating Daria Kasatkina in straight sets, Andreescu spoke of the shock she felt when she heard the legendary American had announced her plans to retire.

“I heard that when I was doing a radio interview this morning,” Andreescu said. “I was absolutely shocked. Because I just woke up and I get that and I'm like, What?”

Andreescu, like many, expected that Williams time was coming, but there is simply something different about the expectation becoming a reality – soon the greatest legend in women’s tennis history won’t be a part of the tour any more.

“I feel honored to have gotten that opportunity to play her and even connect with her in some way,” she said. “Because you know that at one point she's going to retire. But when she actually, you know, is going to announce it, it's just shocking. Because you think these kind of players will play forever.”

Andreescu, still just 22 and knowing full well of the difficulties of playing on tour, is happy that the American is ready to turn the page.

“She's done so much for the sport, for women's tennis. I think right now she said she's focusing on a new chapter in her life. So I'm happy for her.”