Andreescu upsets Serena to cap “dream” year

Joy for Bianca Andreescu and Jamie Murray on Saturday with Rafael Nadal looking to close on Roger Federer on Sunday.

Teenager Bianca Andreescu shocked Serena Williams to claim her maiden Grand Slam crown and continue the American’s wait for a 24th major title.

Serena was priced at 1/3 to win the match on Saturday morning but could not match her opponent’s intensity, going down 6-3 7-5.

The 15th seed has enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2019 winning both at Indian Wells and Toronto – the second of those victories coming courtesy of Williams retiring in the final through back spasms.

An inspired run to the showpiece at Flushing Meadows gave her a chance to add a Grand Slam to her haul and the 19-year-old managed the situation perfectly, winning with ease.

“This year has been a dream come true,” Andreescu said post-match.

“I am beyond grateful and truly blessed. I’ve worked really hard for this moment. To play on this stage against Serena – a true legend of the sport – is amazing.”

The result means Serena’s wait for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam crown goes on, with her losing the finals at both Wimbledon and the US Open in each of the last two seasons.

There were fewer tears and tantrums from the 37-year-old than when she lost at the Arthur Ashe Stadium 12 months ago to Naomi Osaka but time could now be running out as she chases Margaret Court’s benchmark.

Jamie Murray made history on Saturday as he became the first man to win three consecutive mixed doubles titles at Flushing Meadows, making it four successive years in which he was won a US Open title, having also won the men’s doubles.

Murray again partnered Bethanie Mattek-Sands to success with the defending champions proving too strong for top seeds Chan Hao-ching and Michael Venus, winning 6-2 6-3.

Sunday sees the men take centre stage as Rafael Nadal eyes his fourth New York crown against Russian rookie Daniil Medvedev.

Medvedev, who prior to this event had failed to make it past the fourth round of a Grand Slam, is another player on the up having reached the final in Montreal, where he lost to Nadal, before winning in Cincinnati.

Rafa is the 2/11 favourite heading into the match, with Medvedev the 7/2 underdog.

The women’s doubles final also takes place, with Victoria Azarenka and Ashleigh Barty lining up against Elise Mertens and Aryna Sabalenka (Match Betting – Azarenka/Barty 8/15, Mertens/Sabalenka 11/8).

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