NEW YORK, Sept. 7 -- 19-year-old Bianca Andreescu became the first Canadian to win a Grand Slam singles title at the US Open as she shocked 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams of the United States in the women's singles final in straight sets on Saturday.
Starting on fire in the opening set, Andreescu overcame serious challenge from Williams in the second set before notching up the 6-3, 7-5 triumph in one hour and 40 minutes.
"I was feeling many, many things before the match, more than any other match," Andreescu said. "In the finals, playing Serena. I just tried to breathe as much as I could from the moment I woke up until the match. I tried to just do that throughout the whole match, to just keep my nerves in place."
"It wasn't easy at all. But I think that's what I've been doing really well throughout this whole year," she added.
Williams was making her fourth attempt to tie Australian great Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 Grand Slam women's titles, but finished runner-up at the last two Wimbledon Championships and two consecutive US Open finals. Williams lost to Japanese star Naomi Osaka in last year's US Open final, and she was remembered for a furious argument with chair umpire Carlos Ramos during that match.
"I was just fighting at that point, just trying to stay out there a little bit longer," Williams said. "It was fantastic tennis out there. I wish I could have played a little bit better. Bianca played a wonderful match. I just feel really honored to be out here and competing at this level."
Williams finished with 33 winners but also 33 unforced errors to only 17 by Andreescu.