Annabel Croft has paid Bianca Andreescu the ultimate compliment by comparing the Canadian to Roger Federer. Andreescu has enjoyed a remarkable rise to fame in 2019, seeing her climb 174 places to finish at No 4 in the world rankings.
She won her first WTA title at the Indian Wells Premier Mandatory event back in March, but it was in the summer where the 19-year-old truly announced herself on the world stage.
An emotional win at the Canadian Open set her up for a memorable run at the US Open.
She defeated players such as Caroline Wozniacki, Elise Martens and Belinda Bencic on her way to the final to face off against Serena Williams.
And Andreescu put in a composed performance to defeat the 23-time Grand Slam champion in straight sets, becoming the first teenager to win a Grand Slam singles title since Maria Sharapova at the 2006 US Open.
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There are a number of talented female tennis stars emerging along with Andreescu with Cori Gauff, Naomi Osaka and Bencic all touted for bright futures.
But former British No 1 Croft has singled out Andreescu by comparing the teenager to ATP superstar Roger Federer.
“Bianca Andreescu is quite possibly the most talented female player I have ever seen in terms of her overall game,” she wrote for Tennishead.
“Her tennis is mesmerising. I loved watching her befuddle so many opponents this year with her imaginative play, her flair and her artistry.
“With the way she moves around the court and sets up her shots, I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that the US Open champion feels like a female version of Roger Federer.
“When you consider what she has achieved during a year in which she climbed 174 places to finish at No 4 in the world rankings, a great future beckons for the 19-year-old.”
The Australian Open is little over a month away with players getting back into the swing of things in the coming weeks.
Williams is the early favourite to lift the title in Melbourne, but Andreescu has been backed to add to her US Open success.
