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Razzano rests easy after ousting Serena
Twelve months ago, Virginie Razzano arrived at Roland Garros mourning her fiancé, who died just five days before the tournament started.
Twelve months ago, Virginie Razzano arrived at Roland Garros mourning her fiancé, who died just five days before the tournament started.
On Tuesday, she opened a new emotional chapter in her French Open story when she sent Serena Williams crashing to her first ever loss in an opening round at a Grand Slam.
Such was the challenge that the 29-year-old couldn't sleep for three nights before the match.
It was a clash that had looked like a routine victory for the American when she led by a set and 5-1 in the second set tiebreaker, but through sheer willpower became a memorable 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-3 victory for Razzano.
Adding to the drama and tension was the Frenchwoman needing an eighth match point to finish proceedings in a marathon ninth game of the final set after three hours of action.
"I did my mourning," said Razzano, as she reflected on the events of a year ago when her coach and fiance Stephane Vidal passed away at 32.
"It took time, but I worked with somebody and I felt I was ready to live my life both professionally and personally again. "Was it destiny for me to win tonight? I don't know but I wanted to win so much," she added.
The loss was Williams' first exit at the opening round stage of her 47-event Slam career and earliest defeat at a major since she was knocked out of the Australian Open second round by sister Venus in 1998.
"I was cramping at the end but I knew I could beat her. I couldn't sleep properly for three nights before the match," said Razzano. "I even watched Serena on Google and YouTube. I kept telling myself that when I step on court I could do it, I could win."
