Breaking down Bianca Andreescu vs. Serena Williams for U.S. Open glory

Caroline Cameron spoke one-on-one with Bianca Andreescu as she prepares to face off against Serena Williams in the U.S. Open final, saying she wouldn't have believed someone a year ago telling her she'd be in this position.

A Canadian woman is in a Grand Slam final for the first time since 2014 and tennis fans across the country have fully embraced the moment.

Yes, #SheTheNorth continues to trend on social media after Bianca Andreescu’s incredible run to the U.S. Open final where she’ll face Serena Williams on Saturday afternoon at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Andreescu is a 19-year-old from Thornhill, Ont., while Williams has been playing pro longer than the Canadian has been alive. The age gap is the largest between players at any major in the Open Era (since 1968).

It will be the second time in less than a month that Andreescu and Williams face each other after squaring off for the Rogers Cup in Toronto.

So how do the two match up? Let’s break down the 2019 U.S. Open women’s singles final.

Head to head

This will be the second matchup between the two, with the first coming at the Rogers Cup.

Andreescu won that final after Williams was forced to retire due to a back injury in a match which lasted just over 19 minutes.

Tennis fans were treated to just four games between the two – Andreescu had a 3-1 lead – before the injury. It’s also hard to forget the incredible sportsmanship by Andreescu after the match where she went over to console Williams, who was clearly in pain.

How long Saturday’s final will last remains to be seen, but here’s hoping it’s longer than the Rogers Cup.

How did they get here?

Andreescu
Defeated Belinda Bencic of Switzerland 7-6 (3), 7-5 in a match lasting two hours 12 minutes.

The Canadian struggled with consistency for most of the match and finished with 38 unforced errors, 10 of which came in the first five games of the first set.

However, her serve came up clutch on a few occasions as she smashed seven aces. Against a player as powerful as Williams, having a good service game could be a difference maker.

Andreescu showed once again her ability not to be fazed by adversity. She faced numerous break points in the first set but saved them all and recovered from being down 4-1 in the second set to eventually win the match.

Williams
Defeated Elina Svitolina of Ukraine 6-3, 6-1 in her semifinal despite a tight start to the first set.

Svitolina put up a good fight in the opening games against the veteran Williams, but the American was too powerful and wouldn’t let her opponent into the match. Svitolina didn’t do herself any favours as she let two break opportunities slide within the first two games.

Williams never looked back, saving all six of her break points while finishing with 34 winners.

What’s at stake?

Andreescu:
• Competing in her first major final and looking for her third championship of the year
• First Canadian to play in the U.S. Open final
• Trying to become first Canadian to win a Grand Slam singles title
• Previous 2019 wins include the Rogers Cup and Indian Wells
• 17-3 record in three-setters this season
• Chance at $3.85 million with the win or $1.9 million if she losses

Williams:
• The 37-year-old is seeking redemption after falling to Naomi Osaka in last year’s controversial U.S. Open final
• Already owns six U.S. Open titles
• Eyeing her first tournament victory since 2017 after losing in two-straight tournament finals (Andreescu and Simona Halep at Wimbledon)
• In 33rd major final of career and has a chance to win record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title
• Hasn’t lost a set at this year’s tournament since second-round match against fellow American Catherine McNally

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