ROLAND GARROS, FRANCE

WOMEN’S FINAL: [1] Serena Williams (USA) vs.  [4] Garbine Muguruza (ESP)

It took me a while to process this loss. On one hand I am very happy for Muguruza; yet, I feel very frustrated and sad for Serena.  There were many factors that negatively impacted the outcome of this match for Williams right from the start.  This was the fourth consecutive day she was on court with no break and she was playing with an injury.  Her opponent only had to play two days in a row and was coming into the match relatively injury free and much more rested.  Williams tried, but she was clearly hampered by the adductor injury. Muguruza won 7-5, 6-4 and claimed her first Major title of her career.  I am sure she will have many more.

I know that Williams will find a way to put this second consecutive Major final loss behind her, but spare a moment for what she is feeling.  There is no doubt that this second loss which prevented her from getting her twenty-second Major title is going to sting even more than her loss at the Australian Open.  She was beaten twice by the same player at Roland Garros.  We may all wonder what would have happened if the rain had not destroyed the schedule and Williams had gotten a day between her matches; however, tennis history will not have an asterisk citing extenuating circumstances.  The mind does not hold on to the fact that there were extenuating circumstances either and Williams will have to find a way to process this loss and move on.  She puts her faith in Jehovah and that is where she will get the strength and comfort along with her family and close friends to get over this loss.

SPECIAL MENTION: [5] Bryan brothers fell short of capturing their third Roland Garros title. [13] Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez (ESP) won 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-3.