October 24, 2019 - 8:24 AM
Dozens of Twitter users are echoing a hand-written message that hails teen tennis phenom Bianca Andreescu as an inspiration to Canadian kids.
The athlete tweeted a photo of a note that she says a man handed her on an airplane, saying she has "deeply" inspired his two young daughters.
The note — scrawled on a napkin and signed "A Canadian" — says his daughters aren't tennis players, but Andreescu's achievements have shown them that they can accomplish whatever they set their minds to.
Andreescu, who is from Mississauga, Ont., wrote that inspiring young people is the reason she does what she does.
The 19-year-old became the first Canadian to win the U.S. Open earlier this year, beating Serena Williams.
Her Twitter followers have shared the anonymous note-writer's sentiment, saying she inspires Canadians young and old.
"Can I sign my name on that note too? I have no daughters (yet) but I have a niece," one person wrote. "I know she will believe that nothing is impossible after seeing your accomplishments."
Others praised Andreescu's sportsmanship, saying she sets a good example.
"I’m a new tennis fan at 53 and watched you play in person at the Rogers Cup. I was impressed by your composure under pressure," one tweeter wrote. "...You make me proud to be a Canadian."
Andreescu is gearing up for the WTA Finals, a tournament featuring the top eight players in women's tennis this year. The event starts Sunday in Shenzhen, China.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 24, 2019.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2019