California, Mar 18 (UNI) Bianca Andreescu of Canada’s dream run came to a dream finish as she defeated Germany's Angelique Kerber in the women's singles final of the BNP Paribas Open, here on Sunday.
The 18-year-old Canadian stunned reigning Wimbledon champion Kerber 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 to become the first-ever wild card to win the title. She also became the youngest player since Serena Williams, who defeated Steffi Graf here back in 1999.
She broke Kerber in the German’s opening service game, quickly consolidating for a 2-0 lead. The Canadian dictated play with her heavy forehand groundstrokes to keep the German both off balance and increasingly frustrated. Andreescu won the first set within 41 minutes.
However, former World No 1 Kerber, one of the best defensive players on the WTA Tour, saved two break points in the third game of the second set and took advantage as Andreescu faltered.
Kerber won three games in a row to take a 4-1 lead and Andreescu, struggling with the heat and her heavily taped right shoulder, sent a backhand into the net, taking the match to the third game.
The teenage sensation came back from 0-30 down to move to a 2-1 lead in the final set before taking a three-minute timeout for her shoulder.
"I want this so bad," admitted Andreescu to her coach on the next changeover.
"You need to push. Go out there keep competing every single ball," the coach replied.
Kerber's brilliant play, including a defensive lob on the third match point, wrong-footed Andreescu, and the German forced the set to 5-4.
However, Andreescu, despite looking exhausted, converted her fourth match point to claim her first Premier Mandatory title.
After creating history, the Canadian said, "You never know what next week can bring. Maybe I’ll have a bad day. Maybe my opponent will play unbelievable. But if I go out there and play my best, then I have no pressure. I think the only pressure that comes to me is the pressure I put on myself."
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