China Open: Serena Williams Conquest A Distant Memory For Andreescu

Bianca Andreescu became the first Canadian to win a singles Grand Slam title when she beat Serena Williams at the 2019 US Open women’s singles final in September. It was the fourth straight major final the American lost despite being the favorite against the teenager but Andreescu revealed that it is now a distant memory.

The 19-year-old was given a hero’s welcome after her win with her hometown of Mississauga holding a parade which was attended by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, while she was also handed a key to the city. Andreescu became a global superstar overnight following a dominant win over Williams and her achievement is certain to alter her mindset going into future tournaments.

The Canadian, however, revealed that she has moved on from her win at Flushing Meadows and feels like “it didn’t even happen”. Andreescu took a two-week break after her first Grand Slam win and has now returned to competition at the China Open.

"I just try to go into every tournament like anything else,” Andreescu said, as quoted on Tennis World USA. “I feel like US Open didn't even happen, which I think is a good thing. I'm starting off fresh. I think taking a couple weeks off after US Open really helped, as well. Take a break mentally and physically to regroup for this tournament.”

“Yeah, I'm glad I'm here. It's a new challenge, new circumstances, and different environment. But I'm always up for the challenge, so I'm happy to be here,” the 2019 US Open champion added.

Andreescu has progressed to the quarterfinals at the China Open and will face 2018 US Open champion Naomi Osaka for a place in the last four of the WTA Premier event. Prior to her Round of 16 win over United States’ Jennifer Brady, the Canadian said she is looking forward to a good run in China after getting to Beijing a week earlier and acclimatizing to the conditions.

"I think it's going pretty well,” Andreescu said. “I came here a week before, so I got used to the environment and the courts. I really enjoy playing on these courts. I think it really suits my game style. I have time to set up the points. Yeah, it's good. It's been good."