AUSTRALIAN OPEN

[CR18] Venus Williams (USA) vs. [CR33] Camila Giorgi (ITA)

Venus started off slowly, lumbering around the court, unprepared for the pace from Giorgi.  The effects of age and Sjogren’s, it takes the body a bit longer to get warmed up.  Venus almost did not get a chance to perform, the first set went by so quickly and then she was facing match point.  Impossible, courageous, determination – Venus found a way to postpone elimination.  As Giorgi thought a bit too much about the potential victory, she became too nervous to serve.  Double faults flew off her racquet giving Venus much-needed opportunities to get back into the match.

It came down to a third set, could Giorgi regain her focus? Venus was not willing to make it easy for her and kept the pressure on every point.  Giorgi could not recapture the brilliant tennis of almost two sets.  Her chances of making it to the next round were rapidly disappearing as Venus grew in confidence and her body started to obey her commands.  It was a very well contested match, they both fought for every point.  In the beginning it all went Giorgi’s way; however, Venus took control after winning the second set and completed a remarkable comeback to claim the victory 6-4, 7-6(3), 6-1.