BEVERLY HILLS, June 04, (THEWILL) – There were several flashes of the irrepressible, young and vibrant Serena Williams on Friday when the world number eight female tennis player came through the challenge of facing compatriot Danielle Collins in their third-round match at Roland Garros.
The 39-year-old rolled back the years with a highly impressive showing to earn a place in the fourth round in the Court Philippe Chatrier with a straight sets 6-4 6-4 victory that belied how tough a challenge it was out there in the clay court and against a tough opponent.
The 27-year-old Collins threw everything she could at the seventh seed in a spirited attempt to get something from the match, especially in the second set. But, Williams had an answer so that Collins’ efforts were never quite enough. Williams inflicted breaks of her serve at crucial points in both sets to make sure Collins had no chance to take a set.
The overall display by Williams was more composed and deliberate, which gave evidence of improvement from the earlier rounds and made her a dangerous opponent as the French Open progresses. What her victory over Collins carried was a warning to her next opponents.
It was most obvious in the second set. Collins had raced to a 4-1 lead as she produced an admirable response to losing the first set. She was two serves away from a huge set victory over her more decorated opponent when Williams upped her game to stop Collins dead in her tracks with such clinical tennis.
It was beautiful to watch and nostalgic for fans who were beginning to forget the power of Williams’ game and her ability to respond when the chips are down. At all the big moments in the match, Williams produced what was necessary to come through. She needed only an hour and nine minutes to turn it around and go to the next round.
It is to her advantage that Aryna Sabalenka is out of contention and the top two female players, Ashleigh Barty, via injury, and Naomi Osaka, having withdrawn, are unavailable to stand between her and the prize in France.
If Williams can continue in this form, and with the draw opening up nicely for her, it will be foolhardy betting against her going all the way at Roland Garros to reach her 24th record-tying Slam.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
