Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press, via Associated Press
TORONTO — After only 19 minutes and a great deal of 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 8,000-person crowd at center court.
The abrupt decision surprised even Andreescu. But after speaking to a trainer between games, Williams informed the chair umpire of her decision to retire, citing back spasms.