NEW YORK – What a difference a year can make.
Twelve months ago Bianca Andreescu crashed out of US Open qualifying
and didn't even bother to watch Serena Williams lose the final
against then 20-year-old Naomi Osaka.
On Saturday, the 19-year-old was on court herself against Williams,
beating the American icon 6-3, 7-5 - surviving a huge comeback to
claim the trophy on her debut main draw appearance in New York.
Andreescu showed remarkable composure on the court and massive
confidence after her win over one of the best players the women's
game has ever had.
She insisted that Serena, the most feared opponent on the tour, was
"intimidated" when she double faulted to give away the opening game.
And her thoughts when she reclaimed the lead at 6-5 after Williams
roared from 5-1 down to 5-5 in the second were very similar.
"I told myself to put the goddamn ball inside the court and just
breathe as much as I could because she was serving, first of all. I
wanted to win the first point to show her that I am in it to win it.
Did I win that first point? I don't even know," she said.
The Canadian did win the point from a Williams error and went on
claim a victory she had for so long worked for.
"I've been dreaming of this moment for the longest time. I really
believed that I could be at this stage. Since then, honestly I've
been visualizing it almost every single day. For it to become a
reality is just so crazy," she said.
"I guess these visualizations really, really work."
Andreescu, whose parents came to Canada from Romania in search of a
better life, first gained fame in March when she lifted the
prestigious Indian Wells trophy, beating three-time grand slam
champion and former number one Angelique Kerber.
Injury-problems with retirements and withdrawals followed before she
was healthy again to become the first Canadian to win the Toronto
home event - in the final against Williams who had to retire with
back problems after just four games.
That made Andreescu, who has not lost a match on court since
February, a contender at Flushing Meadows, and gave the 15th seed
huge confidence.
All this a year after being ranked outside the top 200 and playing in
only her fourth main draw at the majors.
She won the respect of Williams in Toronto when she consoled the
American, and readily admitted that she admires her for all she has
done on and off the court.
She also acknowledged that their aggressive game is similar but at
the same time she is not the least intimidated by her.
"I'm sure I'm not the only person that's looked up to her. She's an
inspiration to many, many people, not only athletes. What she's done
off the court, too. She's truly a champion," she said.
"I've really strived to be like her. Who knows? Maybe I can be even
better."
Andreescu, who will climb to fifth in the next rankings Monday, is
part of a young generation which has no fear against the big guns.
That flock of players also includes, among others, Osaka, French Open
champ Ash Barty, New York semi-finalist Belinda Bencic, and
up-and-coming American teenagers Catherine McNally and Coco Gauff.
"I want to make a name for myself. I know I have a different game
style than many players on the tour right now. It's been working
really, really well. It's been working to my advantage. I just want
to keep improving it," Andreescu said.
With the trophy and a big cheque of 3.85 million dollars comes fame,
which she is also ready to embrace, although it is new to her.
"I never really thought about being famous. My goals have been to
just win as many Grand Slams as possible, become number one in the
world. But the idea of fame never really crossed my mind," she said.
"I'm not complaining, though. It's been a crazy ride this year. I can
definitely get used to this feeling."