Unfortunately it was a sad end to the 2019 Rogers Cup with just four games played in the final as Serena Williams was forced to retire. It was still a great week of tennis in Canada and has got me out of my post-Wimby slump! Attention quickly turns to Cincinnati with main draw action starting on Monday. I’m delighted to be teaming up again with photographer, Omar Boraby, and will have some photos to share on the blog later in the week. First round previews and polls for Cincy will go up on the separate page here. Read on for the final post from Toronto…
Final review 🎾
After just four games and with Andreescu leading 3-1, Serena retired due to a back injury. It was a really bizarre moment as I can’t say I had noticed anything untoward with Williams. Andreescu had bagged the early break at 1-1 via a double fault from Serena and then consolidated the break. Serena then walked to her chair and sat down. Andreescu went over to hug Serena and the pair shared some lovely words.
Obviously not the way that Andreescu would have wanted to win it but what an incredible week. The Canadian player has won two of the biggest hard court titles this year! After what happened with the Indian Wells-Miami double, I hope she rests up and doesn’t play Cincy. All in all, a good week for Serena. The more matches, the better, but still that elusive title since giving birth evades Serena.
Stat watch 🔢
Via the Rogers Cup social media pages, Bianca Andreescu is the first Canadian winner of the Rogers Cup since 1969.
Handshakes and hugs 🤗
Very nice from Bianca to go over and give Serena a hug.
Recommended media 📺
Here’s the full exchange between Serena and Bianca via Sportsnet on Twitter. You can hear Bianca say to Serena that she is a f***ing beast 😂.
Press highlights 📰
Serena’s final press conference is linked below from the Tennis Canada YouTube page. Serena said her whole back spasmed and she couldn’t sleep last night. She said that it normally takes up to 2 days to heal so hasn’t ruled out Cincy. Serena also spoke very highly of Andreescu.
Moo's Tennis Blog 
Kind reaction from Bianca. Another big title, I’m sure it will be one of many. All eyes will be on her at the US Open. I’m not sure she’s ready to deliver yet at the Slams, but we will see…
Devastated for Serena. I think this is a match she could have won, and it would have been such a nerve settler in Flushing Meadows. But on the bright side, she looks in terrific form and she had another great week.
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Yes that was nice from Bianca at the end. Such a shame for Serena as I thought it would have been a great match! I’m glad to see Bianca pulled out of Cincy.
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Serena is moving much better than at Wimbledon, looking years younger at this tournament, and so things look really good for her providing she can overcome her injury.
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I agree, I think playing Toronto was a good call from Serena.
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