Serena Williams has demolished one of her biggest rivals, Maria Sharapova, in the first round of this year’s US Open tournament. The American player and one of the greatest in history allowed only two games to her opponent, 6-1, 6-1.
It was a magnificent way to start another quest at the US Open title, the one which will raise the number of her won Grand Slam trophies to 24.
“Every time I come up against her,” Williams said, “I just bring out some of my best tennis.”
And it really is like that, as Serena has 19 straight wins over Sharapova. Though the Russian is not even near Williams when looking at the number of Grand Slam trophies, at one point, she was the most dominant force in tennis. Sharapova has 5 Grand Slam titles and has a career Grand Slam in her possession.
The match lasted for only 59 minutes. In every aspect of the game, the American player was so dominant. Simply, the forehand, backhand, service, everything was on Williams’ side. The best way to explain that to you is to say that Sharapova had twice as fewer points, 28, compared to 56 by Serena.
She was in a very good mood following the match, saying that at the moment all the health issues are gone, and that she feels perfect.
“The body’s good. I feel good,” Williams said. “My back’s a lot better. So I’m excited. This is going to be fun.”
That was the key factor which would determine her chances of winning the seventh title here at Flushing Meadows. There were many concerns and questions regarding Serena’s back, and for now, all is ok. It allows here to fully focus on the matters on the court. And when she does that… well, it is hard for anyone to stop her.
After losing three big Grand Slam finals, and the most recent one at Rogers Cup, winning the title here in New York would be a breath of fresh air for the veteran. All the stories and doubts in her abilities would go away, and Williams could be focused on pushing the limit regarding trophies even further.
Regarding Sharapova, she is outside top tennis for quite some times. Apart from the occasional flashes, the Russian beauty isn’t at her best level in the last several years. The reason for that is not known, but she refuses to back down in intention to once again reclaim her spot among the best.
“Bottom line is I believe in my ability,” Sharapova said following the event. “You can write me off. There are many people that can write me off, especially after going down 6-1, 6-1. As long as it’s not the person that’s inside of you, you’ll be okay.”
Serena will face the teenager Caty McNally, the 17-year old compatriot. McNally eliminated Time Bacsinszky in the first round, very easy, 6-4, 6-1. According to many, there shouldn’t be a problem for the older American. But still, the US Open often brings us surprises.
