Serena Williams failed to make history Saturday, as she fell 6-3, 7-5 to Bianca Andreescu in the US Open final; however, the match was still one for the books.
The crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium was overwhelming team Willams, as she chased her record-tying 24th Grand Slam singles title. Through the tennis legend was ultimately denied, the stunning upset made Andreescu the first Canadian to claim a major tennis title and the first player born in the 2000s to earn the honor.
"I know you guys wanted Serena to win, so I’m so sorry," Andreescu told the audience in post-match interview with ESPN’s Tom Rinaldi. "And obviously it was expected for Serena to fight back. She’s done that so many times in the past. That’s why she’s a true champion on and off the court, but I just tried my best to block everything out ... The last game wasn’t easy. She started serving way, way better, too. Balls were going all over the place. I’m just glad with how I managed really."
Williams is now 0-4 in Grand Slam finals since returning to the sport in 2017. Though the 37-year-old tennis veteran was also denied her seventh U.S. Open title, Williams insisted she was happy for Andreescu.
"Bianca played an unbelievable match," Williams told Rinaldi as she stood by Andreescu. "Congratulations. So proud and happy for you. I wish I could have played better. If anyone could win the tournament, outside of Venus, I’m happy it’s Bianca."
