Andreescu Wins 1st Slam Title After Defeating Serena at US Open

Serena Williams, of the United States, left, and Bianca Andreescu, of Canada, pose for photos after Andreescu won the women's singles final of the U.S. Open tennis championships Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in New York. AP Photo/Charles Krupa

NEW YORK—Bianca Andreescu knew this would happen, because she knows all about Serena Williams. Looked up to her. Dreamed of playing her.

Andreescu knew Williams would not go quietly. Knew Williams would not make things easy. And so as a big lead in the U.S. Open final dwindled Saturday, as she stuffed fingers in her ears to drown out the decibels from the delirious thousands filling Arthur Ashe Stadium, Andreescu knew she needed to be just as bold, and hit just as big, as she did earlier in the match—and as Williams has done for years.