via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Serena Williams of the U.S. celebrates winning her fourth round match against Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Serena Williams of the U.S. celebrates winning her fourth round match against Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
In the fourth round of the 2021 Australian Open, Serena Williams faced off against Aryna Sabalenka. This was expected to be a tough battle as both players were playing incredibly well. In the end it was Serena who won 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. Here’s how it happened.
via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 14, 2021 Serena Williams of the U.S. reacts during her fourth round match against Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Aryna Sabalenka vs Serena Williams: The First Set
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The first set of the match was a very competitive one. Both players were serving incredibly well and were not letting their opponent gain the upper hand. However, in the tenth game, Serena got the crucial break off Sabalenka’s serve to seal the first set 6-4.
The second set was crucial for Sabalenka, and she started it off in the best way possible. In the very first game, she broke Serena’s serve and held for a 2-0 lead. She went on to gain another break and seal the set 6-2.
The third set was an essential one for both players and hence, they fought for every single point. However, at 2-1, it was Serena who gained the upper hand by break the Sabalenka serve.
It was looking very difficult for Sabalenka to win but the World No.7 broke back at 2-4 to stay in the match. However, Serena stayed calm and waited for an opportunity to strike. At 5-4, She got match points and she did not hesitate to finish it 6-4, 2-6, 6-4.
via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 14, 2021 Serena Williams of the U.S. reacts during her fourth round match against Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka REUTERS/Loren Elliott
How Twitter Reacted
This was certainly an amazing win for Serena Williams, which is why there were many amazing reactions on Twitter. Here are some of them.
Such a compelling moment in women's tennis: generations clashing & Serena just held off the huge-hitting 7th seeded Aryna Sabalenka. 6-4, 2-6, 6-4
Defended particularly well. Back in Australian Open quarterfinals, where it won't get any less challenging. Halep or Swiatek next pic.twitter.com/XkFtpkb1io
— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) February 14, 2021
Serena Williams wins this one and gets through. Another blockbuster match complete!
— Jill Martin (@ByJillMartin) February 14, 2021
A heckin’ good effort by both, but it’s Serena Williams who wins the battle of power 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 over Aryna Sabalenka.
Serena managed that match so well, never letting herself get dragged onto the Sabalenka roller coaster.#AusOpen
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) February 14, 2021
Stellar from Serena 👑
Serena Williams defeats Sabalenka and reaches the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam for the 54th time in her career#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/B7MhdJwlPc
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) February 14, 2021
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Even though she lost today, Aryna Sabalenka played a quality tournament, went blow for blow with (still) one of the best players and lived up to her recent form at WTA events. Only a matter of time before she has a proper slam run.
— Tumaini Carayol (@tumcarayol) February 14, 2021
Serena got through a very tough match but it isn’t going to get easier for her. In the quarter-finals, she could either face Iga Swiatek or Simona Halep who could surely pose a huge challenge. However, once can never rule out a 23-time Grand Slam champion from beating them. Good luck Serena!
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