‘Just Serena’: Williams’ upset win at US Open keeps the legend advancing in final days of her storied career
On Tuesday, Serena Williams was left to rue the fact, when she had a 2-inch-long nail exposed at her back foot in her first match of the day at the US Open.
By the time Roger Federer pulled off a 3-6, 6-3, 1-6, 6-4 win over Frances Tiafoe, Williams was playing just three more games.
This has been a rough road for Williams, who has battled injuries and mental breakdowns from the very beginning to the very end. And she’s still fighting the best of them.
Williams is now down to her final three tournaments of the year. At least two of those titles are on the line this week.
The fourth is the US Open, which is an incredibly stacked line-up: the second-seeded Williams vs. the eighth seed Tiafoe, who just got swept by Williams for the U.S. title in November, the wild card-winner Bodega Bay vs. Caroline Wozniacki.
It’s far from what Williams would have predicted when she entered the tournament, three years ago. It was one of the toughest decisions she’s ever had to make.
Williams said she was surprised to still be in the tournament. She said she still hasn’t gotten her season completely back after she had a right knee injury last December that cost her the rest of the 2014 season.
She also admitted her mind has been in turmoil the past couple of days, even as she got to the final on Tuesday.
“I’ve been going around my house and being upset and sad. I think that’s what you’re supposed to do when you win the tournament you’re playing in. It’s not hard,” Williams said with a smile.
With just one match remaining, there’s a lot riding on Williams, who has more wins than any player in the Open era. She’s hoping to get to her fourth major championship in her 19th year.
This is one of the most physical tournaments in the Open era, which has been dominated by Williams. She’s been ranked No. 1 in 14 events, along with six Grand Slam titles and four U.S. Open titles.
She’s also had a near-