Serena Williams’ run on the Western & Southern Open was a brief one.
The 40-year-old fell to No. 10 Emma Raducanu in straight units within the first spherical on Tuesday, 6-4, 6-0 in Cincinnati.
Williams, who introduced she would retire from tennis after the U.S. Open, showcased loads of energy, however struggled with returns and unforced errors towards the 19-year-old Brit.
It was the second straight first-round loss for the 23-time Grand Slam champion, who misplaced to Belinda Belcic on the Toronto Open final week. Williams didn't converse to reporters after the match.
Raducanu, in the meantime, was almost flawless, ending the match with a single unforced error.
“I feel all of us want to simply honor Serena and her wonderful profession. I’m so grateful for the expertise to have the ability to play her,” Raducanu stated on the courtroom post-match. “All the pieces she has achieved has been so inspirational. It was a real honor to share the courtroom together with her.”
The American, the document holder for Grand Slam wins within the Open Period, obtained loads of encouragement from the gang, and exited the courtroom to a standing ovation after the 1 hour, 5 minute match.
“Even while you guys have been cheering for her, I used to be like, all for it,” Raducanu stated, noting she wanted to take care of her focus in deference to Williams’ talents. “I used to be nervous from the primary level to the final level.”
Raducanu will play Victoria Azarenka — who defeated Venus Williams, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, within the first spherical — whereas Williams may have two weeks to get her sport sorted out earlier than her Flushing Meadows farewell.
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