Andreescu named Canada’s athlete of the year

Ag AFP

MONTREAL: Canadian teenager Bianca Andreescu added another honour to her glittering year on Monday after becoming the first tennis player to be awarded the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada’s top athlete.

The 19-year-old earns the award after a season which saw her become the first player from Canada to win a Grand Slam singles title with her victory at the US Open, where she defeated Serena Williams in the final.

She also became the first Canadian in 50 years to win the Rogers Cup, also defeating Williams in the final. “I’m so thankful for this award,” Andreescu said. “I was not expecting it and to be the first tennis player to win is even more surreal.

“I can’t wait for what 2020 will bring and am always proud to represent Canada at the highest level.” Andreescu was a unanimous choice for the award, which is selected by a poll of 30 sports journalists.

Other nominees for the honour included Brooke Henderson (golf) and Jordan Binnington (ice hockey). Previous winners of the award include ice hockey legends Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby and Bobby Orr.