Andreescu apologizes to US Open crowd: 'You guys wanted Serena to win'

Bianca Andreescu reflected on Saturday's US Open final triumph in typically Canadian fashion: By apologizing to the crowd for beating Serena Williams.

After overcoming the all-time great in straight sets (6-3, 7-5) at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the 19-year-old native of Mississauga, Ontario, admitted the toughest obstacle in securing victory was playing in a venue that voraciously backed 23-time Grand Slam winner Williams.

"Definitely the crowd," Andreescu told ESPN when asked about the challenges she faced after establishing a 5-1 lead in the second set. "I know you guys wanted Serena to win so I'm so sorry.

"Obviously, it was expected for Serena to fight back. She's done that so many times in the past - that's why she's a true champion on and off the court - but I just tried my best to block everything out.

"The last game wasn't easy. She started serving way, way better too; balls were going all over the place. So I'm just glad with how I managed, really."

Andreescu credited her team and family for helping her rebuild following a spate of injuries and last year's failure to qualify for the US Open. Now, after beginning 2019 ranked No. 152 in the world, she ends the season as the first Canadian to win a major singles championship.

"I just kept believing in myself," she said. "I kept working hard and I just kept that momentum and confidence throughout this whole year and hopefully, I can keep going."