Speaking with ESPN after winning Canada’s first-ever Grand Slam singles title, a familiar scene materialized behind Bianca Andreescu.
It wasn’t quite Jurassic Park, but Canadian tennis fans appeared to congregate behind the 19-year-old champ.
Fans chanted “She the North,” the popular phrase that was trending on Twitter for Andreescu — an homage to the Raptors. They also sang the national anthem, belting out O Canada as Andreescu calmly answered questions from tennis legend Chris Evert on national television in the United States.
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The interview came not long after Andreescu graciously accepted the US Open title in true Canadian fashion. She actually apologized to the pro-American crowd for beating Serena Williams.
“I know you guys wanted Serena to win,” Andreescu said politely. “So, I’m so sorry.”
Andreescu not only made history as Canada’s first-ever Grand Slam champion, she tied Genie Bouchard’s national record, vaulting up to No. 5 in the world rankings.
The US Open victory also comes with a monetary bonus, as Andreescu won $3.85 million USD in prize money for the victory —Â more than she had previously earned in her entire career.