Who is Bianca Andreescu? Meet Serena Williams' 19-year-old US Open final opponent
When it comes to teenagers in the spotlight at the US Open this year, Coco Gauff is not alone.
The 15-year-old American captivated the country by advancing to the third round of the singles competition, but a 19-year-old Canadian will have a chance to hoist the trophy in Flushing Meadows, New York: Bianca Andreescu.
Standing in her way is only the greatest of all time, Serena Williams, who is vying for her 24th major championship. That would tie Margaret Smith atop the all-time grand slam list.
When Williams won her first major — the 1999 US Open — Andreescu wasn't born. Let's take a closer look at the upset-minded teenager.
This is real life
Andreescu defeated Belinda Bencic in the semifinals 7-6 (7-3), 7-5 and in her post-match news conference rhetorically asked "Is this real life?" She also mouthed the same words in the direction of her family earlier in the tournament.
What's even realer is the challenge that awaits. This is just the fourth major she has participated in and by far the furthest she has advanced. For comparison, Williams has reached 10 US Open finals.
Not the first time facing Serena
This won't be the first time Andreescu and Williams are squaring off in a final. Last month, the two faced each other in the final at the Rogers Cup in Canada. Williams, battling an upper-back injury, retired in the first set while trailing 3-1.
In a heartwarming scene, Andreescu comforted a visibly upset Williams. She became the first Canadian to win the tournament since 1969.
A breakout year
From 2014-16, Andreescu — the daughter of Romanian immigrants — was a dominant force on the junior circuit. She turned pro in 2017 and qualified for Wimbledon. She didn't make it past the qualifying rounds for any majors in 2018.
This year, Andreescu advanced to the second round at the Australian and French opens before not participating at Wimbledon. A right shoulder injury hampered her play throughout the summer before she put it to the test at the Rogers Cup.
In New York Flushing, Andreescu took down former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki and upstart American Taylor Townsend, among others, on her way to the final.