This archive report was first published on 11 August 2019.
On August 11, 2019, Serena Williams' bid for her first title of the year ended abruptly in the Rogers Cup final against Canadian teenager Bianca Andreescu.
The match, which had significant implications for both players, was over in just 19 minutes, with Williams retiring in the first set after falling behind 3-1.
Despite not appearing to favor any part of her body, Williams looked out of sorts, making several errors and trying to keep the points short.
After the match, Andreescu walked over to Williams at the player's chair, where the two hugged and had a brief exchange.
Andreescu, 19, offered words of encouragement to Williams, telling her that she knew her own body better than anyone and should not push it, especially with the US Open coming up.
"I watched you throughout your whole career," Andreescu told Williams. "You're a freaking beast."
Andreescu then addressed the crowd, expressing her sympathy for Williams' early exit and wishing her a fast recovery.
Williams congratulated Andreescu and then told her, "This isn't the way you wanted to win, I'm sure."
As Williams spoke to the crowd, still fighting back tears, she said, "I'm sorry I couldn't do it today," and Andreescu's eyes welled up, too.
