Bianca Andreescu has labelled Carlos Alcaraz’s five-set win over Novak Djokovic at SW19 as a huge inspiration while admitting that it serves her as a source of motivation.
The Canadian rates the Spaniard’s victory at Wimbledon is different than his last year US Open triumph. The 20-year old defeated Norwegian Casper Ruud in four sets in the final of the New York major to claim his maiden Slam in 2022. However, Andreescu believes that defeating 7-time Wimbledon Champion in the classic five-set clash last month was “another story”.
Like the ATP world No. 1, Andreescu also clinched the US Open at the age of 19 when she came over 23-time Slam winner Serena Williams to win the 2019 title.
Andreescu, WTA #44 has not been able to win a title since lifting her first major trophy four years ago and the main reason for that is her injury struggles on the tour.
Talking on TSN, Andreescu was all praise for the 2-time Grand Slam winner for rising to the occasion and prevailing against the Serbian who was unbeatable at the Wimbledon Center Court since 2013.
“I mean, Alcaraz is poised throughout the whole entire match. That was his first ever Wimbledon final. Yeah, the way he handled it was incredible. He definitely deserved that,” said the Canadian.
“I know he won US Open but Wimbledon is, it’s different. It’s like another, it’s another story. It definitely motivates me and he’s only [20] still. That’s a huge inspiration for all of us.”
The North American also discussed the quality of tennis produced from the both sides of the net in “A Final for Ages”.
“I mean, the athleticism I think is the first thing – I’m sure everyone can notice – from both of them. The way they, you know, just play around on the court. I mean, their rallies, on grass as well, are like 15, 20 plus [shots]. Like that’s insane,” continued Andreescu.
“And they’re serving, they’re returning. I think there was like 10 returns total missed by both of them during the whole match even though they’re both serving amazing.”
Andreescu exiting from Washington, was defeated by Marta Kostyuk in a third set tiebreak after blowing out three match points in the first round of the Citi Open this week.
The Canadian however remains confident in her game before entering the Toronto Masters/Rogers Cup on home soil.
“I definitely believe that my level is top 10 and I am still a Grand Slam champion. In a way, every time I lose, it’s like that person’s beating a Grand Slam champion. I always have that in my head,” Andreescu told the Canadian Press.