Bianca Andreescu is giving local fans in Toronto lots to cheer about this week, becoming the first Canadian woman in 50 years to reach the final.
The 19-year-old overcome American Sofia Kenin 6-4 7-6(5) in the semifinals. It continues a remarkable comeback from Andreescu, who had been restricted to one match in the past four months due to a shoulder injury.
“All I can say is I’m so happy to be back on court…I’m in the final of the Rogers Cup,” a tearful Andreescu said on-court after the match.
“I’m glad it was two sets today, but it wasn’t easy… I was so so nervous, and I just felt like crying after because I’m just so happy.”
“Life is freaking amazing!”
Needless to say, an emotional @Bandreescu_ is delighted to be in the @rogerscup final! pic.twitter.com/KR4MVxSq9E
— WTA (@WTA) August 10, 2019
Her semifinal victory assures the No.27-ranked Andreescu will make her top 20 debut next week – and she could rise to No.14 if she wins the title. This time last year she was ranked outside the top 200.
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Andreescu is aiming to win her second WTA title, having also won Indian Wells earlier this season.
She will face Serena Williams in the final. The eighth-seeded American needed three sets to battle past Czech qualifier Marie Bouzkova in the semifinals, recovering from a slow start to win 1-6 6-3 6-3.
It’s hard court win number 5??0??0?? for @serenawilliams!??
She is through to the @RogersCup final. Comes back against Bouzkova 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 pic.twitter.com/okADu9hthI
— WTA (@WTA) August 11, 2019
It qualifies Serena for a first tour-level hard court final, outside of a Grand Slam, since Indian Wells in 2016.
The three-time Toronto champion is aiming to win her first title since becoming a mother, having lost her past three finals since her return in 2018.
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