23-time grand slam champion Serena Williams admitted that she didn’t expect to lose her third round match at the Australian Open after crashing out in three sets on Friday.
The former world No.1 suffered a shock 6-4, 6-7(2), 7-5, defeat to China’s Wang Qiang. A player who she dropped only 15 points against in their previous meeting last year at the US Open. Throughout the match Williams struggled for consistency on the court as she leaked a costly 56 unforced errors, which was more than double that of Wang.
“I was optimistic that I would be able to win. I thought, okay, now finish this off. I honestly didn’t think I was going to lose that match.” Williams said during her press conference.
“I just made far too many errors to be a professional athlete today.” She added.
Digesting her defeat afterwards, the world No.10 lambasted her own performance on the Rod Laver Arena. Going as far as describing it as ‘unprofessional.’ It is her earliest exit from a grand slam since the French Open back in June where she was defeated by Sofia Kenin.
“I didn’t return like Serena. Honestly, if we were just honest with ourselves, it’s all on my shoulders. I lost that match. So it is what it is.” She said.
“I can’t play like that. Like, I literally can’t do that again. That’s unprofessional. It’s not cool.”
An early exit from Melbourne Park is an extremely rare occurrence for the American. The last time she failed to go beyond the third round of the tournament was more than a decade ago back in 2006. Overall, Williams has only failed to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open in three out of 18 appearances.
The loss extends Williams wait to try and match Margaret Court’s record for most grand slam singles title won. Since returning to the tour following the birth of her child, the 38-year-old has has lost in the final of four major tournaments. Including two last year. Nevertheless, Williams has vowed to continue her pursuit of winning grand slam No.24.
“I definitely do believe or I wouldn’t be on tour. I don’t play just to have fun.” Williams commented on chasing Court’s record.
“I seem to do well the last two slams of the year. I don’t know. I have won them all several times. Each one is definitely an opportunity for me to go out there and win.’”
“It’s not even about the slams, it’s about just me playing good tennis, and I didn’t do that today. That is more disappointing.” She added.
Williams’ latest defeat leaves the question about how many more attempts she will have at grand slam glory given her age. According to the WTA, she is the third oldest player to have a ranking. When asked if she will be returning to Melbourne in 12 months time, she sidestepped the question.
“I feel like I’m on the way up, so we’ll see. I don’t know. I’m not even thinking about anything, about not being here.” She replied.
Williams’ conqueror Wang will play Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur in the next round.
