Although Williams fought to the bitter end, he was very limited in terms of running and play, far from the previous class. So unnerved the world number 115. Tan her opponent repeatedly on the defensive with the undercut forehand and stops. “Any other opponent would have suited my game better,” Williams complained.
On her knees she celebrated a successful ball, screamed out loud after winning points, supported by Sister Venus in the stands. When she fended off Tan’s first match point at a score of 5:6 in the third set and served on her own, the spectators’ relief erupted in explosive cheers. But even a 4-0 win in the decisive tie-break was not enough for Williams.
Results recently disappointing
It is inconceivable that in the future she will be able to match the record of Australian Margaret Court with the longed-for 24th success in a Grand Slam tournament. With a zeal bordering on obsession, she has been chasing that title for more than five years. This defeat also made her want to get back on the training ground, Williams said, “because I didn’t play badly and was so close”.
For her it was the first individual in a year when she injured her thigh in the same place. Before Wimbledon she had warmed up with two appearances in doubles. Despite her routine, Williams was unable to avoid her third defeat in a Grand Slam opening game against Tan.
“It’s a dream for me. I saw Serena on TV when I was young,” enthused the 16-year-old Frenchwoman. “When I saw the draw I was really scared. She’s such a legend. I was like, oh my god, how can I play her. It’s good if I win a game or two.” In the end, she suddenly found herself alone in the floodlights of Center Court.