It’s fair to say that fans weren’t privy to Bianca Andreescu‘s stellar showdowns on the tour this season. Following an injury-marred phase, the Canadian star returned to the circuit to visit modest results. With the year-long calendar concluded, she touched down on what drove her to find success at the US Open in 2019 and her response will likely blow your mind. Spoiler alert, a special rapper is to be credited.

The WTA sensation clinched her maiden Slam in New York after downing 23-time Major champion Serena Williams in the mega event’s summit clash. She became the first Canadian to achieve the feat, joining the likes of first-time Slam winners Naomi Osaka and Ashleigh Barty. While she dodged match-ups with Top-10 rivals on her way to the title decider, Andreescu’s performance wasn’t to be meddled with. However, her recent showcase on the tour hasn’t been the most impressive.

She returned to the circuit after 10 months at the French Open due to a stress fracture in her back and later, took some more time off following her first-round exit at Flushing Meadows. Though she came back to play two events in Japan in October as part of the Asian swing, the best she could do was finish quarterfinalist at the Toray Pan Pacific Open. Her poignant journey, where she battled physical restraints and rediscovered her passion for the sport, recently prompted her to write extensively about her experiences.

The 24-year-old expressed she was teeming with confidence before walking out for her US Open final, all thanks to American rapper Megan Thee Stallion. The rap artist’s hit single “Hot Girl Summer” energized the Canadian player as she jammed to it while walking the tunnel leading to the stadium. “Before the final, there was a clip that went viral of me jamming in the tunnel while waiting to walk out. It’s funny to look back on, but it’s also a good example of where my mindset was at the time. I was getting ready to play the biggest match of my life … and in my head, I was just bopping around to “Hot Girl Summer” (of course). I was so calm and confident about it.”

Upon emerging victorious in New York, Andreescu had a few words reserved to express her experience winning her first Major.

Bianca Andreescu highlights feeling doubtful ahead of her title clash with Serena Williams

There’s hardly anyone who wouldn’t feel the pressure when drawn up against Compton native Serena Williams. The former World No. 1’s envy-worthy formidability even got to Canadian Bianca Andreescu before she was due to lock horns with her at Flushing Meadows. However, she overcame that hurdle to lift her maiden Slam trophy and later discussed how she managed her nerves during the thrilling showdown.

She said, “I had some doubts because I’ve witnessed her come back from being 5-0 down, 5-1 down, 5-2 down. I just told myself to stick with my tactics. She started playing much better. I think the crowd helped her, as well. I mean, it was expected. She’s a champion. That’s what champions do. She’s done that many, many times throughout her career. I just tried to stay as composed as I could. It’s hard to just block everything out, but I think I did a pretty good job at that.”

With the season done for, fans can expect Andreescu to return in action at the Australian hardcourt swing, slated to commence in January 2025.