US Open secret favorite Andreescu: If only the body join in

Bringing the Superstar to smiles - that's something that Bianca Andreescu can already ignore in her young career. Serena Williams, arguably the best tennis player of all time, sat crying in her chair, her hand over her eyes, frustrated with the back problems she'd faced in the finals of the US Open preparation tournament in Toronto. But when final opponent Andreescu had come over to the other side of the court, her arms spread wide, the US-American pressed and comforted, Serena Williams had to laugh again.

She got up, hugged her 18-year-younger opponent, and seemed genuinely moved by the young Canadian's compassion. Maybe Williams was just amazed at how ecstatic Andreescu had handled the situation. Williams then stated, "Bianca is just 19 years old, but she certainly does not look like a 19-year-old, either in her words, on the court, in her playing or in her attitude."

Although Andreescu was only able to contest one match between March and August, despite having started the season as number 152 in the world rankings, the Canadian's annual account has two big titles: she won the Indian Wells and Toronto tournaments. Almost more impressive is the record of 7-0 successes against top 10 players. Meanwhile, Andreescu radiates such a natural self-confidence that it would be almost presumptuous not to rank her among the top favorites for this year's US Open.

She adjusts to each opponent individually

Despite her young age, Andreescu acts on the pitch like an experienced strategist. Their youth coach Andre Labelle told the Canadian news agency CP in the spring that Andreescu is characterized by its ability to adapt to each opponent individually. She identifies the weaknesses of her opponents against the background of her own strength.

She helps a very solid playful framework. With the forehand Andreescu directs the place. What sets them apart are the creative advances of the Canadian. Her home tournament in Toronto published regular highlight videos of her day during the run. What to see: unstoppable stop balls, no matter whether they were full or sometimes even played over their heads.

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When Andreescu had to spend half a year at the age of 16 due to two stress fractures in his foot, they had the trainers train on an office chair without a backrest. According to youth coach Labelle, she improved her technique again. Whether stop balls, serves or volleys, Andreescu got better even in this time of frustration. But as much anecdote as this one stands for the aspirations of the 19-year-olds - the body could become the problem in Andreescu's hopeful career.

When she won the tournament in Indian Wells in March quite unexpectedly, Andreescu seemed to be held together only by tape associations at the end. Nevertheless, she joined the following week in Miami. Although she also won matches here, while Angelique Kerber so annoyed with her treatment breaks that she hissed the words "Biggest Drama Queen ever" after the match ended, Andreescu finally had to give up after ten consecutive games - and with a shoulder injury almost five months expose.

Andreescu says she learned from the situation. During the injury break, she hired a nutritionist. After winning the Toronto match, she won the Cincinnati tournament next week, and Andreescu was able to reassure her after her first-round victory here in New York. No, the bandages on her legs are not signs of new injuries, she laughed. She just had a few unpleasant insect bites.