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'Moment of a lifetime ruined': Serena Williams savaged over devastating breakdown

Sam Goodwin
·Sports Editor

Serena Williams’ emotional mid-match retirement in the Rogers Cup final has sparked a mixed reaction in the tennis community.

Serena's first US Open tune-up ended in dramatic fashion on Sunday, retiring with a back injury while trailing Canadian teenager Bianca Andreescu 3-1 in the first set.

Williams, who hopes to chase a record-equalling 24th career grand slam title at the US Open, seemed fine on court but suddenly sat crying in her chair before deciding to retire 19 minutes into the match with a back injury.

‘CRAZY STAT’: Nadal makes unthinkable history in Rogers Cup triumph

Serena then broke down in tears again during her runner-up speech.

"I'm sorry I couldn't do it today. I tried but I just couldn't do it," a tearful Williams, who struggled to get the words out, told the crowd.

Serena Williams broke down in tears during the fin=al, handing the title to Bianca Andreescu. Image: Getty
Serena Williams broke down in tears, handing the title to Bianca Andreescu. Image: Getty

"It's been a tough year but we'll keep going."

A number of fans and commentators were left heartbroken for Serena, however there were just as many who weren’t impressed with her actions.

Eric Francis of Canadian website SportsNet was particularly savage, tweeting that Serena had ruined Andreescu’s moment.

“Classy reaction by Andreescu to Serena’s latest, um, drama,” Francis said.

“Moment of a lifetime ruined by the greatest tennis player of all time.

“Sad, but I’ll reserve judgment on Williams’ decision until we hear more from her on why she quit.”

And Francis wasn’t alone, with hoards of fans saying Serena’s retirement had taken the spotlight off Andreescu’s incredible triumph - becoming the first Canadian to win the event in 50 years.

However Francis and other fans were met with an angry reaction over their stance.

Serena defends retirement

The 37-year-old Williams, whose competitive action this year has been severely limited because of knee issues, declared herself pain-free ahead of the tournament, which she was hoping to use as a springboard for the rest of her hardcourt swing.

But the six-times US Open champion, still without a title since returning from maternity leave in 2018, now faces her latest setback with the year's final grand slam just two weeks away.

She said the spasms began during her three-set semi-final win over Czech Marie Bouzkova on Saturday.

They got so bad that she was unable to sleep and could not really move but she added that she at least wanted to try and play the final.

Bianca Andreescu celebrates her victory after the Rogers Cup final. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Bianca Andreescu celebrates her victory. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

"I was just trying to figure out how do you play a match where you have no rotation?" said Williams.

"And I don't want to get this far and not at least try. I think I would have really regretted not at least going out there and seeing maybe if a miracle happened."

As Williams sat dejected in her chair, Andreescu, who is no stranger to injury setbacks, went over to console her.

The pair embraced and had a heartfelt conversation during which the former could be heard talking about back spasms.

"I feel for Serena so much. I've been through so much the last year with injury so I am so sorry she had to go out this way," the 19-year-old said during the trophy ceremony.

"Sometimes, you can't push your body and she couldn't today and I wish her a fast recovery."

with AAP