Canada's 'Queen B' feted by hometown crowd

[September 17, 2019]    NEW YORK (Reuters) - Newly-minted U.S. Open champion Bianca Andreescu received a hero's welcome on Sunday, arriving back in her hometown of Mississauga, Canada, for a celebratory rally, as Canadians embraced their very own #SheTheNorth.

U.S. Open winner Bianca Andreescu poses with her trophy at top of the Rock in New York, U.S., September 8, 2019, in this screen grab obtained from a video. Reuters TV via REUTERS

Andreescu, who beat Serena Williams earlier this month to become the first-ever Canadian Grand Slam title-holder, has rapidly become a home-country favorite, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau among the throngs of adoring fans at the rally, held in the Toronto suburb.

"In Canada, anything is possible," Trudeau tweeted. "You're an inspiration, @Bandreescu_ and we’re all so proud of you."

The gathering was capped off with the unveiling of a street sign in the hard-hitting 19-year-old's honor, "Andreescu Way."

"A day that I'll never forget," tweeted the No. 5-ranked Andreescu, along with photos of the flag-waving, cheering crowds at the event. "I feel so blessed!"

(Reporting By Amy Tennery. Editing by Lincoln Feast)

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