Let’s face it, we know that Serena has talent; however, her recent results have left a lot to be desired. Thus, it is so refreshing to see her playing at a level that has not been seen consistently in recent years. [7] Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) was a very tough opponent and frankly, I did not think Serena could beat her.
Serena Williams Digs Deep
Again, Serena proves the doubters wrong, but I am so happy she did. It’s that thing where you hope she keeps going and finally wins number twenty-four. She does not need number twenty-four to be a great tennis player, she has already proven that, but it would be sweet.
What Serena did against Sabalenka, was compete better and move better. Hopefully this 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 victory will inspire her to keep going. Next up will be another tough opponent, [2] Simona Halep (ROU).
Halep had a battle on her hands against the nineteen-year-old French Open champion, [15] Iga Swiatek (POL). It is so nice to see the older champions digging deep to get the win. Speaking about digging deep, [3] Naomi Osaka (JPN) dug very deep. [14] Garbine Muguruza (ESP) had Osaka against the ropes and served for the match. Unfortunately, Muguruza will have to swallow the bitter pill of defeat because Osaka fought back to win 4-6, 6-4, 7-5.
Heartbreaker For Felix
[20] Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAD) had the match practically won, that was until [114] Aslan Karatsev (RUS) woke up. How does a player go from two sets up to losing the match? Auger-Aliassime should ask [2] Rafael Nadal (ESP) and learn from his experience. Was it a case of thinking too far ahead and losing focus? The match is never done or won, until that last ball is played.
Embed from Getty ImagesAt twenty years old, the Canadian is still growing into his game; however, this will sting for a bit. Still, much credit to the Russian qualifier, who did not stop believing and kept competing to win 3-6, 1-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. The Australian Open is finally heating up!
