French Open: Serena Williams reflects on her third round loss
The 23-time singles Grand Slam winner, Serena Williams was stunned in the third round of the French Open 2019 by fellow American Sofia Kenin. Serena lost the tie in straight sets 2-6, 5-7. Post her exit, the veteran US star said that at this moment she is pretty far away from where she needs to be. Here's what she said.
Serena not quite up to the mark in 2019
After losing in the Wimbledon and US Open 2018 finales, this year hasn't been anywhere near to what she would have hoped for. She bowed out of the quarters in the Australian Open 2019 and now endured her worst Grand Slam performance since 2014. Serena has a month now to prepare for the upcoming Wimbledon as the focus will shift from clay to grass.
Injury has hampered Serena's progress
Post her Australian Open exit, Serena played just three tourneys ahead of the French Open. They were in Indian Wells, Miami and Rome and we saw her withdrawing from all of them. A knee injury has bothered the star player.
I'm just pretty far away, says Serena
"I'm just pretty far away, but the optimistic part is I haven't been able to be on the court as much as I would have," said Serena. Serena is keen to seek a wildcard into a pre-Wimbledon event. That could help her massively. "At least I can start trying to put the time in now. It's just been a really gruelling season."
French Open: Twists and turns engulf women's singles
The women's section, as expected, is continuing to produce the twists and turns. After Naomi Osaka's loss, Serena was the next star to follow suit. Only three top 10 players are alive in the tournament. Holder Simona Halep is now being considered as the favorite.
Can Serena make a strong comeback?
With the year starting on a poor note for Serena, she needs to go back to the drawing board and give herself the time to achieve full fitness. Her movement is on the slower side and her frustration was apparent in the match against Kenin. Serena needs to play more games and get into the groove. It will be a tough road for her.
