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Shaken Serena breathes fire in campaign
LONDON: Serena Williams has warned her Wimbledon rivals she won’t suffer the same humiliation as Novak Djokovic as the defending champion steps up her bid for a
LONDON: Serena Williams has warned her Wimbledon rivals she won’t suffer the same humiliation as Novak Djokovic as the defending champion steps up her bid for a record-equalling 22nd major title.
Williams was as shocked as the rest of the tennis world by Djokovic’s third round exit against Sam Querrey on Saturday, but she is using her fellow world number one’s demise as a valuable lesson not to underestimate any opponent.
The 34-year-old put that plan into practice as she routed Germany’s Annika Beck 6-3, 6-0 in 51 minutes on Centre Court on Sunday, winning 11 of the last 12 games to earn her 300th Grand Slam match victory.
Serena was so dominant that in the second set she lost only four points, and none on her serve, prompting former Wimbledon champion Jana Novotna to describe the American as “absolutely flawless”.
And Williams, who hasn’t won a major since last year’s Wimbledon, revealed fear of en during a humbling loss like Djoko vic is keeping her focused.
“He and I have both made extreme history. He’s won four in a row. I won four in a row last year. I think that’s historic in itself. I thought Novak would come back. I was surprised he didn’t, actually. It is what it is. I don’t look at it as a burden. It’s really awesome to be in that position.”
Williams will next face No. 13 Svetlana Kuznetsova, who came from behind to beat No. 22 Sloane Stephens 6-7 (1), 6-2, 8-6 to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon for the first time since 2008.
TSONGA WINS 5-SETTER
While Williams played just 15 games in under an hour, Tsonga and Isner needed 44 games and 2 hours, 33 minutes to complete the final two sets of their suspended third-round match. The final set featured 36 games and lasted 2 hours, 8 minutes.
“It’s good to be alive,” said Tsonga, who saved a match point at 16-15 in the fifth before overcoming the American 6-7 (3), 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-2, 19-17. Tsonga’s next opponent will be countryman and No. 7 Richard Gasquet, who downed Albert Ramos-Vinolas of Spain, 2-6, 7-6 (5), 6-2, 6-3.
Another Frenchman, No. 32 Lucas Pouille, ended the Grand Slam comeback of Juan Martin del Potro, beating the Argentine 6-7 (4), 7-6 (6), 7-5, 6-1.
Nick Kyrgios, an Australian seeded No. 15, set up a marquee fourth-round matchup against No. 2 Andy Murray, defeating Feliciano Lopez 6-3, 6-7 (2),), 6-3, 6-4.
