This archive report was first published on 12 August 2019.
On August 12, 2019, Serena Williams, a three-time Rogers Cup champion, made a shocking exit from the tournament's final match in Toronto, Canada. The 37-year-old American tennis star was forced to retire due to a back injury, handing the title to 19-year-old Canadian Bianca Andreescu.
Williams, who was seeking to win her first title since returning to competition in 2018, was a break down at 1-3 in the first set when she withdrew from the match. The American was left in tears as Andreescu comforted her courtside.
"I'm sorry I couldn't do it today, I tried," said Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion. "It's been a tough year, but we'll keep going."
Andreescu, who won her first WTA title at Indian Wells earlier this year, became the first Canadian to win the Rogers Cup women's singles title since 1969. The teenager expressed her gratitude towards Williams, saying, "Serena, you made me cry. I know how it is to pull out of tournaments, it's not easy."
Williams' only previous retirement in a singles final came at the Rogers Cup in 2000 – the year Andreescu was born. The US Open, where Williams will hope to win her 24th Grand Slam title, starts on August 26.
