Western & Southern Open, Cincinnati

[CR1] Serena Williams (USA) vs. [CR35] Karin Knapp (ITA)

Williams emphatically reasserted her dominance today with a 6-0, 6-2 defeat of Knapp. This is the Williams we have all gotten accustomed to watching. Knapp could only shake her head in wonder as Williams hit winner after winner. Williams wanted to erase any lingering doubts about her focus and intensity. She did so today with her impressive performance. Once again, she never faced a break point and the match was over in fifty-four minutes. There was no lapse in concentration as Williams realizes that she needs to avoid complications in her matches going forward.

Next up for Williams will be Sloane Stephens or Ana Ivanovic. In any event, it will be another test for Williams. She will have to maintain her focus as each player has challenged her over the years. I think she settled whatever issue(s) were distracting her and as she said in her court side interview, “she was putting a lot of pressure on herself and she just told herself to relax and have fun”. That was evident in her game today as she was controlled ferocity and very calm as she aggressively attacked everything Knapp sent her way. Knapp could offer up very little resistance and managed to get two games to avoid the double bagel.