Serena Williams Suffers Shock Defeat At The Australian Open
Serena Williams suffered her earliest go out from the Australian Open in 14 years on Friday, falling to China’s Wang Qiang in a lovely third spherical reversal that left her bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam identify in tatters as soon as again.
Having conceded one recreation to Wang in a U.S. Open trouncing 4 months ago, Williams staggered to an error-strewn 6-4 6-7(2) 7-5 defeat at Rod Laver Arena that sent shock-waves via Melbourne Park and tore open the women’s draw.
It was the American’s earliest exit from the year’s first Grand Slam for the reason that her 2006 name defence become ended by Daniela Hantuchova.
Doubts approximately her hopes of matching Margaret Court’s Grand Slam haul have resurfaced.
Williams has recovered from her share of Grand Slam setbacks, however this one left an in particular sour taste.
“It is all on my shoulders.
“I just need to faux like I don’t want to punch the wall, but in reality I do,” the 38-year-vintage said ruefully.
A day earlier than Chinese have a good time the Lunar New Year, twenty seventh seed Wang performed the fit of her life, soaking up huge pressure to land the biggest scalp of her career.
She wavered at instances and became broken whilst serving for the suit at five–four in the 2nd set.
Wang squandered two in shape factors inside the nerve-shredding finish, and in the end became relieved when Williams surrendered by firing into the net, her 56th unforced error.
Last year, China’s top-ranked player knocked world primary Ash Barty out of the U.S. Open fourth spherical, some months after mourning the death of her longtime train Peter McNamara.
“I assume he may want to see me gambling today. He can be happy with me,” the 28-year-vintage informed reporters.
Wang stated she would eschew traditional Chinese New Year celebrations before getting ready for her fourth round clash against Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, every other giantkilling rival on a stunning run at Melbourne Park.
Jabeur knocked out Williams’ correct friend and former world number one Caroline Wozniacki, drawing the curtain on the retiring Dane’s profession in tennis.
No count number what happens, Wang may also delight in her triumph towards Williams for a life-time.
She stayed patient as the American dug in stubbornly in the decider and saved a string of break points along with her formidable serve.
As Williams’ shrieking increased, Wang nosed ahead to 6-5 after firing a blistering backhand that clipped the line.
She thought she had blown her chance with unforced mistakes on two suit points but it become Williams who became left bowing her head after failing to clear the net.
At 38, Williams’ Grand Slam window may be closing.
“I am manner too old to play like this at this level of my career.
“I’m without a doubt going to be schooling tomorrow. That’s first and foremost, to make sure I don’t do this again,” she said of her fit, before batting away the idea of now not returning to Melbourne next year. (Reuters/NAN)