China Open, Beijing

World number one, Serena Williams, encountered technical difficulties today against [CR15] Lucie Safarova (CZE). Her left knee was taped and she was slower in getting to the balls, her serve was off, and even her outfit malfunctioned.

Serena started the match aggressively, hitting the balls hard and repeatedly aced her opponent. The second set was a different story, Safarova found her game and Serena’s deserted her.  Safarova went for her shots and moved freely about the court, while Serena pushed her balls and seemed glued to the court.

The perfectionist in her will not be happy.  Although she won the match, 6-1, 1-6, 6-2, it was not a convincing display of her skills.