Carlos Alcaraz Wimbledon triumph a ‘huge inspiration’, says Bianca Andreescu

Bianca Andreescu has described Carlos Alcaraz’s victory over Novak Djokovic to win the 2023 Wimbledon Championships as a “huge inspiration” and revealed it “definitely motivates” her.

The 23-year-old declared that, although the Spaniard also triumphed at the US Open last year, winning Wimbledon is “different” and “another story.”

Alcaraz defeated Casper Ruud in four sets in the final of the New York Grand Slam to claim his maiden major title. The 20-year-old then secured his second Grand Slam victory with his epic five-set win over 23-time major winner Djokovic in the Wimbledon final last month.

Like Alcaraz, Andreescu also won the US Open at the age of 19 when she defeated Serena Williams to win the 2019 title.

The Canadian, who is currently ranked 44th in the world, has been unable to win a title since her major breakthrough almost four years ago. Injuries have played a significant role in halting her progress.

Speaking on TSN, Andreescu lauded the way Alcaraz dealt with the occasion and performed against Djokovic.

“I mean, Alcaraz is poised throughout the whole entire match. That was his first ever Wimbledon final. Yeah, the way he handled it was incredible. He definitely deserved that,” said the Canadian.

“I know he won US Open but Wimbledon is, it’s different. It’s like another, it’s another story. It definitely motivates me and he’s only [20] still. That’s a huge inspiration for all of us.”

The 23-year-old also discussed the quality of tennis from both players in the thrilling title match.

“I mean, the athleticism I think is the first thing – I’m sure everyone can notice – from both of them. The way they, you know, just play around on the court. I mean, their rallies, on grass as well, are like 15, 20 plus [shots]. Like that’s insane,” continued Andreescu.

“And they’re serving, they’re returning. I think there was like 10 returns total missed by both of them during the whole match even though they’re both serving amazing.”

Andreescu was beaten by Marta Kostyuk in a third set tiebreak after having three match points in the opening round of the Citi Open Washington this week.

The Canadian insisted, though, she remains confident in her game heading into the Canadian Open.

“I definitely believe that my level is top 10 and I am still a Grand Slam champion. In a way, every time I lose, it’s like that person’s beating a Grand Slam champion. I always have that in my head,” Andreescu told the Canadian Press.

READ MORE: Coco Gauff says she is in ‘rebuilding period’ after adding renowned coach to team