THE CHAMPIONSHIPS, WIMBLEDON
[CR1] Serena Williams (USA) defeated [CR24] Victoria Azarenka (BLR) 3-6, 6-2, 6-3.
Williams makes it 17:3 against Azarenka. Azarenka is one of the few players that can challenge Williams. Her three victories over Williams were in finals on hard courts. Despite the lopsided head-to-head lead, Azarenka came very close to winning more than three times against Williams. Five of her losses were in three sets. Yet, in tennis history, close is irrelevant. Williams got off to another slow start; a result of age, tension or both? Was anyone in doubt that Williams would find her game in the second? Perhaps there were a few, those who wonder how many more times can she rebound from what appears to be certain defeat.
Azarenka started off well and Williams had to raise her game. Unfortunately for Azarenka, she was not able to keep up with Williams once she found her rhythm. The level of Williams’ confidence is astounding. How does she repeatedly find a way to raise her game to victory when it appears defeat is imminent? She has had some dismal losses in her career; however, I am convinced that when Williams is determined, no one can defeat her. Sometimes it seems the only player capable of defeating Williams is herself. Williams will have to battle not only her opponent, but resist the temptation to become overwhelmed by the pressure of possibly winning her 21st Major title and the potential for her first Grand Slam. There are two players left in her path: Maria Sharapova and Garbine Muguruza or Agnieszka Radwanska.
Even though I knew that Azarenka was capable of defeating Serena I was never in any real doubt that she would make an amazing comeback in that match as only Serena can do. The next two opponents are just as capable of beating Serena but will they? Serena is on a mission.
I am late, but better than never. I must say I was on edge watching Serena struggle to find her footing. I was confident that she would rise to the occasion, but just was not sure when. Her come back was awesome, and I must say I am so proud of her. Serena is in a class by herself – my opinion. Keep it up Serena, the world is watching in amazement.