Serena Williams celebrates her victory against Christina McHale in a match ended with a score of 6-3, 5-7, 6-2.
According to WTA Tennis, in her opening match against Christina McHale, Serena Williams almost saw her quest for a ninth Miami Open title end. Christina McHale was able to save a match point and force a deciding set. But fortunately for her, Serena Williams finally prevailed with her 12th ace.
By playing in one of her favorite tournaments, Serena Williams aims to shake off a runner-up finish at the BNB Paribas Open. The tennis world women's champion looked well in control through most of the match. She took a set and a break lead, serving in the second set for the match at 5-4.
Her opponent Christina McHale has enjoyed a solid start in 2016, including a singles win in Maui at an ITF Challenger and a doubles title in Hobart. Christina McHale saved a match point to break back and win four games in a row in the match against Serena Williams.
During her on-court interview, Serena Williams told Andrew Krasny that Christina McHale seems capable of playing great tennis since she started to fight harder. Serena Williams added that Christina McHale showed it all in the match at Miami.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion, despite not playing her best, still managed 33 winners on the day and two more breaks of serve. She was able to get her spot in the third round, where she faced Zarina Diyas from Kazakhstan. Earlier in the day, Diyas took out No.31 seed Daria Gavrilova.
Serena Williams told The New York Times before the start of the tournament how much she loved the Miami Open and considered it like a second home. She said that Miami is a very special place for her, since she lives so close to there. Yet the tennis tournament may move from its present location in Crandon Park.
Williams added that when she was younger, she used to wonder the grounds to watch people play there. Now, it's her turn play, and the experience feels special.
