Serena Williams’ legendary tennis career likely over after third-round singles’ play loss at US Open
Serena Williams’ legendary tennis career likely over after third-round singles’ play loss at US Open
AP
Serena Williams’ legendary tennis career may be over after she lost her first set on the main stage at the US Open.
Williams, the world’s No. 1, lost her first set to Maria Sharapova on the third day of the US Open on Thursday, in a match which could be a significant loss for Williams’ bid to win her second major title in a row.
Williams was broken three times and took only 4-7, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6, 6-1.
“I thought [the fourth set] was the turning point,” Sharapova told the BBC. “I really don’t know. All I know is, I didn’t stop, I didn’t give in. I don’t know.
“I’m very happy for Serena. I’m very happy for her. She’s had a very difficult year. It’s really hard to watch, especially for someone who loves tennis. I’m very happy for her.
“I’m hoping Serena’s able to find the way to win back as many fans as possible after her loss.”
Williams, 18, won the US Open title in 2011 and then won the Australian Open the following year.
She entered the court with a 6-2, 4-6, 3-6, 6-2 victory over Marion Bartoli, who is not due to play in any of the eight remaining professional tournaments.
She had beaten Sharapova in the 2014 US Open final.
In her third round match, Williams was broken for the first time in her career in the fourth game. Just before the match started, Williams was told by her mother, the former world No 1.
“I called my mom to tell her I could not serve her back and I was losing,” Williams said. “She said ‘Okay’ and that’s when I knew I had to play