Serena Williams was forced to bow out early in the Rogers Cup final match Sunday, wiping away tears as she conferred with a trainer. Seeking her first tournament win since the birth of her daughter, the legend instead was forced to retire in the first set with back spasms. Nineteen-year-old Bianca Andreescu, who became the first Canadian to win the Rogers Cup, offered Williams a hug and said she was a huge fan.
“This isn’t the way I expected to win or for [Serena] to go off the court, but you [Serena] are truly a champion on and off the court,” Andreescu said, according to USA Today.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t do it today,” Williams said to the crowd. “I tried, but I couldn’t. Bianca, you’re a great sportswoman. It’s been a tough year but I’m going to keep going.”
