Bianca Andreescu said sorry to the US Open crowd after beating home favourite Serena Williams in the final.
In front of a raucous crowd, including the Duchess of Sussex, Usher, Anna Wintour and Spike Lee, 19-year-old Andreescu kept her nerve under the toughest of examinations.
Andreescu served for the match at 5-2 in the second set and had a championship point but Williams fought back to level at 5-5 before the Canadian bounced back to stun the 23-time Grand Slam champion and complete a 6-3 7-5.
After the match, Andreescu was asked how she was able to overcome Williams’ comeback and she said: “Definitely the crowd. I know you guys wanted Serena to win, so I’m so sorry.
“Obviously it was expected for Serena to fight back but I just tried my best to block everything out. I’m just glad with how I managed [it].
“Last year wasn’t an easy period in my life with injuries but I persevered and told myself not to give up.
“I just keep telling myself, kept working hard and keep the momentum. Hopefully, I can keep going.”
Andreescu is the first woman from Canada to win Grand Slam singles title and she has not lost a completed match since March 1st, winning 14 matches in a row.
“It’s so hard to explain in words but I’m just beyond grateful and truly blessed. I’ve worked really, really hard for this moment,” she said.
“This year has been a dream come true. Being able to play on this stage against Serena, a true legend of the sport, is amazing.
“It wasn’t easy at all. I tried to prepare my best like I do every match, I tried not to focus on who I’m playing. I’m really proud of how I dealt with everything.”