NY Times · Aug 11, 2019
Serena Williams, in Tears, Withdraws From Rogers Cup Final
Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press, via Associated Press
TORONTO — After only 19 minutes and so much buildup, Serena Williams retired in the first set of the Rogers Cup final after falling behind by 3-1 to the Canadian teenager Bianca Andreescu.
The sudden end to the match, which featured Williams seeking her first title of 2019 and Andreescu trying to become the first Canadian in 50 years to win the event, stunned the crowd.
Although she did not seem to favor any part of her body, Williams clearly looked out of sorts, making several errors and trying to keep the points short.
After Williams retired, Andreescu walked over to her at the player’s chair, where the two hugged and had a brief exchange.