Flashback: Serena Williams in Tears as Back Pain Forces Her to Withdraw from Rogers Cup Final

Tennis legend Serena Williams was comforted by her 19-year-old Canadian opponent as she broke down in tears and apologized after back spasms forced her to retire from a tournament finals match in Toronto on Sunday.

Bianca Andreescu became the first Canadian to win the Rogers Cup in 50 years when Williams retired because of her injury on Sunday.

Andreescu was up 3-1 in the first set when Williams called for a medical timeout.

Less than a minute later, the chair umpire announced that Williams was retiring from the match, handing Andreescu her second WTA Premier title of the season.

image
Serena Williams broke down in tears when she was forced to retire from the final of the Rogers Cup in Toronto on Sunday due to injury
image
The 37-year-old American tennis legend said she was suffering from back spasms that prevented her from finishing the match
image
Williams’ opponent, Bianca Andreescu of Canada, came over to console her after her retirement
image
‘Serena, you made me cry,’ Andreescu told her. ‘I know how it is to pull out of tournaments, it’s not easy. This wasn’t the way I expected to win. You are truly a champion’

The tournament’s final lasted only 16 minutes before Williams withdrew.

After the chair umpire announced Williams’ retirement, the former world No. 1 started to cry on her bench.

Andreescu went over to comfort her, hugging her and telling Williams how much she admires the 23-time Grand Slam winner.

‘Serena, you made me cry,’ Andreescu told her.

image
Andreescu was up 3-1 in the first set when Williams called for a medical timeout. Less than a minute later, the chair umpire announced that Williams was retiring from the match, handing Andreescu her second WTA Premier title of the season

‘I know how it is to pull out of tournaments, it’s not easy.

‘This wasn’t the way I expected to win. You are truly a champion.

‘I’ve watched you win so many times, you are truly a champion on and off the court.

‘I’m speechless right now. This has been a dream come true.’

During the award ceremony, 37-year-old Williams acknowledged the Toronto fans for their warm applause.

‘I’m not a crier, but, thank you guys,’ said Williams as she choked back tears after accepting the second-place check.

‘I’m sorry I couldn’t do it today. I tried but I just couldn’t do it.’

Williams’ retirement was the last of several high-profile injuries at this year’s Rogers Cup.

Fourth-seeded Simona Halep withdrew from her quarterfinal matchup with Marie Bouzkova.

image
Williams and Andreescu share a moment during the on-court ceremony after the match
image
During the award ceremony, Williams acknowledged the Toronto fans for their warm applause
image
‘I’m not a crier, but, thank you guys,’ said Williams as she choked back tears after accepting the second-place check and trophy

On the men’s side, Milos Raonic retired after two sets against Felix Auger-Aliassime in a much-anticipated all-Canadian matchup.

No. 16 seed Gael Monfils then withdrew before his semifinal against world No. 1 Rafael Nadal.

The 19-year-old Andreescu, from nearby Mississauga, Ontario, has victories over seven of the top 10 players in the world.

Her world ranking will rise from 27th to 14th on Monday. Her previous high was 22nd.

‘I’m speechless right now. I’m the first Canadian who got to the finals and has won this tournament since 1969,’ Andreescu said after being presented with the Rogers Cup trophy in an on-court ceremony.

‘This has been a dream come true, really.

‘This week has not been easy. I’ve had many, many tough matches.’

The Rogers Cup was Andreescu’s first tournament after a right-shoulder injury sidelined her since the French Open in May.

‘What I’ve been through the past two months has not been easy,’ Andreescu said when addressing fans.

‘I kept telling myself “never give up.”

‘I’m trying to look at my injury not as a setback but more of a challenge.

‘I tried to embrace it as much as I can.’

Andreescu had been on the court more than any other player at this year’s Rogers Cup at 10 hours, 54 minutes heading into the match against Williams.

Faye Urban of Windsor, Ontario, beat Vancouver’s Vicki Berner in the 1969 final, when the tournament was still played on clay courts and called the Canadian Open.

Related Posts

Breaking: Serena Williams Declines New Deal with a Bold Statement, ‘I’m Not…’

In a surprising turn of events, tennis legend Serena Williams has announced that she has declined a lucrative new sponsorship deal, a move that has raised eyebrows across the sports and business worlds. Williams, who has long been a dominant figure in …

Read more

Serena Williams Honors Rafael Nadal with a Heartfelt Video and a Thoughtful Outfit Choice

Serena Williams has paid tribute to Rafael Nadal’s career with a touching video. The 23-time Grand Slam champion donned a Nadal t-shirt and his signature headband to say farewell to the Spanish tennis icon. Nadal is retiring at the Davis Cup Finals. He lost …

Read more

Heartwarming Moment: Rafael Nadal’s Son Watches His 2024 Davis Cup Practice

Ahead of the Davis Cup final, everyone has one person in mind: Rafael Nadal, of course. But, as always, the media attention is also focused on his adorable son, who is there with the family. In a recent video we can see …

Read more

7 Years Together: Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian Mark Their Wedding Anniversary

Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian are celebrating seven years of marriage! On Saturday, Nov. 16, the retired tennis star, 43, and the Reddit co-founder, 41, each shared heartfelt social media posts to mark their latest wedding anniversary. Williams’ Instagram post …

Read more

Serena Williams Slays in a Gorgeous, Curve-Hugging Knitted Dress

Serena Williaмs is getting soмe fashion sυpport froм her good friend Kelly Rowland. The tennis doctor showed off her incredible cυrves in a tight knitted dress on Tυesday, revealing the designer was none other than the Destiny’s Child singer. …

Read more

Paris Through Nadal’s Eyes: Olympic Success and Unforgettable Experiences!

No one can deny that, with 14 Roland Garros under his belt, Nadal is part of the history of Parisian sport. It was in 2015 when Rafa Nadal received from the hands of the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, the highest distinction that the capital grants …

Read more

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *