Face of Nation : With tennis legend Serena Williams mounting a memorable comeback in the second set and more than 23,000 fans inside Arthur Ashe Stadium going crazy, the Canadian teenager was feeling the pressure. It’s exactly where Andreescu wanted to be.
She plays her best when she’s up against it, fearless. Her coach Sylvain Bruneau calls her a warrior and a “street fighter” — Andreescu relishes people doubting her. And for a moment, there was doubt. “I had some doubts because I’ve seen her come back before, ” Andreescu said.
Williams had just won four consecutive second set games to tie it at 5-5. The crowd was whipped into a frenzy, standing and screaming after every point. After dropping the first set 6-3 and falling behind 5-1 in the second set, she suddenly had the look of a champion again. Andreescu buckled down and brought her best. “I just tried to stay as composed as I could,” Andreescu said.
She took a deep breath before serving as spectators continued to yell. Finally, Andreescu was able to win a service game, taking a 6-5 lead in the second set and stopping Williams momentum. She screamed “come on” after moving one game away from the U.S. Open title.
Andreescu was overrun with emotion during her post-match press conference when she talked about realizing this moment, talking about playing out this exact scenario in her mind so many times before. “This wasn’t the only time I’ve been visualizing playing in the final against Serena Williams,” she said, stopping to catch her breath.
Andreescu says she’s incorporated meditation and visualization as a part of her daily practice for the past couple season. “I really believed I could be at this stage. Since then I’ve been visualizing it every single day. I guess this visualization works.”
She said she felt a different pressure waking up on championship morning but immediately started her breathing exercises in advance of her first-ever Grand Slam Final. Andreescu also explained she goes over almost every scenario imaginable before hitting the court.
“I put myself in situations that can happen in a match and finds ways to deal with that so I’m prepared for anything that comes my way,” she said. “At this level, everyone knows how to play tennis. The thing that separates the best from the rest is your mindset.” Andreescu is humble to fault and fearless on the court.
It’s been her goal to inspire young Canadian athletes with her performances and points to athletes before her who have paved the way and inspired her. She’s hoping her victories can do the same.
“It’s been a goal of mine to inspire many people, especially Canadian athletes,” Andreescu said. “Hopefully, I can be that person for them.” Two years ago Andreescu’s goal was to make enough money playing tennis for her parents to be able to travel with her.
Now she’s the U.S. Open champion, earning $3.85 million US. Maria, Nicu Andreescu and family dog Coco were in attendance to watch Bianca win.
