“Got to Start Learning How to Win Big Points”: Serena Williams on Her US Open Preparations

Serena Williams suffered a shocking loss in this Western and Southern Open (Cincinnati). The 23 time Grand Slam winner lost to the 13th seed Maria Sakkari in the third round of the tournament. The games are being played in the hardcourt without any crowd.

Serena lost to Sakkari in the sets of 5-7, 7-6(5), and 6-1. According to Serena Williams, it all came down to one point for her.

“I don’t know. I’ve just got to start learning how to win big points. It was literally one point since January. One point I could have own so many more matches, literally. So, if I could just focus on how to win that one point, that would be better.”

However, Tumaini Carayol from The Guardian has a different opinion. He tweeted a record of the last four games she lost. It clearly shows it had more to do with her overall game than “just one point.”

See the tweet below –

All five of Williams’ matches (including Kentucky) since her return to the game have not gone past the third set. She is 3-2 in that set.

No matter what the reason is, the loss is a shock to everyone, including the winner Sakkari.

“I knew it was going to be an ugly match from my side but I’m extremely happy with the result,” she said. “She’s a role model for me and many others. What she has achieved in our sport is unique and I don’t know if anyone else is going to do it again.”

Sakkari will face Briton Johanna Konta in the next round of The Western and Southern Open.

READ MORE – “I’m Done”: Serena Williams Miffed With Chair Umpire During Shock Defeat

Serena Williams is Focusing More On The US Open Now

After the match, she went in for a post-match interview, and she was disappointed in herself.

“I put myself in a bad situation,” Williams told reporters. “It’s like dating a guy that you know sucks. That’s literally what I keep doing out here. It’s like I have to get rid of this guy. It just makes no sense. It’s frustrating.”

She then talked about the frustration when she sees the match slipping away from her hands.

“I don’t think that helps mentally when you know the match is over and you won the match, and now your legs were already tired and now they’re even more tired,” Williams said. “I literally should have won that match. There was no excuse. It was tough, but I had so many opportunities to win. I have to figure that one out how to start winning those matches again.”

Serena Williams is on the verge of winning her record 24th Title this US Open. If she wins it, it will make her the most successful Grand Slam winner of all time alongside Margaret Court.

US Open starts on and from 31st August in the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Centre.