Serena Williams says she will be ‘forever in debt’ to her fans after crashing out of the Australian Open in straight sets to Naomi Osaka.
The former world No.1 was unable to find a way to topple her Japanese opponent as she produced a total of 24 unforced errors against 12 winners. Williams’ defeat once again prolongs her bid to equal Margaret Court’s record for most Grand Slam titles won at 24. She has now attempted to reach that milestone on 10 occasions. Her last triumph in a major was four years ago in Melbourne but she has reached four finals since then after the birth of her first child.
“I felt like I was hitting well. I was hitting well this whole tournament. Even the first couple games I played well. Even then I had so many opportunities,” she commented on her latest match.
“Just made too many mistakes there, easy mistakes.”
At the age of 39, many are starting to wonder how much longer Williams can continue playing on the Tour. Since becoming a mother, she has only won one WTA title which was at the ASB Classic in New Zealand 12 months ago. Questioned about her future following her loss to Osaka, an emotional Williams refused to give anything away.
“I don’t know. If I ever say farewell, I wouldn’t tell anyone,” she said.
It was seconds after that statement where it got too much for Williams as she proclaimed ‘I’m done’ before leaving her press conference in tears following her latest disappointment.
Following her tearful exit from the press, she took to social media to express her thoughts further by paying tribute to those who had been supporting her during the tournament. In a Instagram post she didn’t address if she would be returning in 12 months or not. Instead, she branded her match against Osaka as ‘not ideal.’
“Today was not ideal outcome or performance but it happens… I am so honoured to be able to play in front of you all. Your support -your cheers, I only wish I could have done better for you today. I am forever in debt and grateful to each and everyone single one of you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I adore you.”
Williams has won a total of 73 WTA titles and has spent 319 weeks as world No.1 so far in her career.
Williams’ Grand Slam performances since winning the 2017 Australian Open
- 2017 French Open – 2018 Australian Open: didn’t play due to pregnancy and the birth of her daughter
- 2018 French Open: R4
- 2018 Wimbledon: Runner-up
- 2018 US Open: Runner-up
- 2019 Australian Open: Quarter-finalist
- 2019 French Open: R3
- 2019 Wimbledon: Runner-up
- 2019 US Open: Runner-up
- 2020 Australian Open: R4
- 2020 French Open: R2
- 2020 Wimbledon: Not held
- 2020 US Open: Semi-finalist
- 2021 Australian Open: Semi-finalist
