BEVERLY HILLS, June 02, (THEWILL) – After surviving a second round three-setter, the fact is obvious to tennis legend and former world number one Serena Williams that to get to another Slam victory, she will have to improve her overall game and that is what is motivating the 39-year-old.
Her desire to win has seen the mother claw her way back to reckoning after taking time off to have her child. She demonstrated some of her old incredible power and service game to beat Mihaela Buzarnescu and qualify for the third round where she will meet fellow American Danielle Collins.
Her advancement was not without challenge. The 23 Grand Slam winner had to overcome a second set loss to rally back into control and cruise past Buzarnescu for the victory. Williams won the opening set 6-3 and was in the game in the second before Buzarnescu displayed true grit to win the second 7-5.
That was the moment Williams called on her experience and desire to sweep aside her 174th ranked opponent 6-1, which was a tremendous statement with which to wrap up the second round match.
Though the matches will get tougher, Williams can take consolation from the fact that she recognised her errors from the second set and immediately set on not repeating them in the deciding set.
The opportunities to finish rallies off were there for Williams to seize but she played for caution rather than take them. She was more direct and confident in the third set and it showed. She must now continue at that pace to keep her shot for the elusive record-equalling 24th Grand Slam alive.
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.
