US Open 2019 Diary: Silverware for Andreescu’s coach on a day of high emotions
The sight of Serena Williams was too much for one spectator on a day that ended in tears for her fans at the US Open.
The US Open women’s singles final delivered once again as a fascinating spectacle ended with an emerging star defeating arguably the greatest player to pick up a racquet.
Bianca Andreescu won her first grand slam title in her first main draw appearance at the US Open by denying Serena Williams a record-tying 24th major.
Andreescu claimed victory despite a furious comeback from Williams in a second set in which a deafening crowd attempted to will the American into forcing a decider.
There was a clear indicator of how much support Williams would have during her practice session prior to the showpiece.
Omnisport’s man on the ground, Nicholas McGee, provides the details in our daily diary from New York.
FAN SOBS AT SERENA PRACTICE
Just a few hours before her clash with Andreescu, Williams took to the practice courts, briefly greeting men’s finalist Rafael Nadal as he walked off following the end of his session.
The mere sight of the 23-time grand slam champion was too much to handle for one fan, who immediately began sobbing upon spotting the 37-year-old.
Unfortunately for Serena and her fans, it was to be a day that ended in tears.
Brief hello between Serena and Rafa as she takes his place on the practice court
One spectator starts sobbing at the mere sight of Serena
Andreescu is going to find crowd support very hard to come by today#USOpen pic.twitter.com/V1SrbMJuoq
— Nicholas McGee (@nicholasmcgee24) September 7, 2019
MUTED CELEBRATIONS FOR MURRAY
Jamie Murray and Bethanie Mattek-Sands successfully defended their mixed doubles title, defeating top seeds Michael Venus and Chan Hao-ching in the final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
There were no plans for major celebrations, however, with Mattek-Sands telling a media conference: “I’m making him drink some champagne out of the trophy, we’re having some pizza. But he’s leaving. It’s not like we’re partying till 4 a.m. tonight.
“Next time.”
“Yeah, next year,” Murray replied.
Your 2019 #USOpen Mixed Doubles Champions! @matteksands | @jamie_murray pic.twitter.com/SZkfvZetzH
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 7, 2019
SYLVAIN SHARES THE GLORY
The Andreescu team was able to celebrate winning two trophies as, at an emotional ceremony after her media conference, the Canadian’s coach Sylvain Bruneau was also presented with one.
Bruneau initially held the trophy the wrong way and apologised, joking: “I’m not used to holding trophies.”
Andreescu’s response perfectly encapsulated her remarkable confidence. “Well get used to it,” said the champion.
On the evidence of Saturday, Bruneau can indeed look forward to watching his protege secure many more major titles.
Lovely moment earlier after Andreescu’s press conference as her coach Sylvain Bruneau was also presented with a trophy
“I’m not used to holding trophies,” he said.
Andreescu’s response: “Well get used to it.”#USOpen pic.twitter.com/6ikADVDjmh
— Nicholas McGee (@nicholasmcgee24) September 8, 2019
