On Saturday, Serena Williams and Garbiñe Muguruza seemed to have a fair fight at the French Open. This time, Williams faced her toughest rival Muguruza, who is now taking the major title to match with her 7-5, 6-4 victory.
The tall and elegant Spaniard is 12 years younger than Williams, and has won the first grand slam title of her career as well as crowned champion at the French Open. She gained praise from the American saying 'unbelievable' and admitting she had been outplayed by Muguruza. The No.1 ranked in women's singles tennis was also denied of tying Steffi Graf's Open Era record of 22 majors because of the defeat.
Muguruza fought off at the fourth game of the match which was a break point with an ace and the final game of the first set when she rallied from 15-40 with more clutch serving. She stood right back after she made three of her nine double faults in a single game losing her serve and a 1-0 lead in the second set. The response was a flurry of big-bang tennis that gave her the chance to break right back at Williams.
Moreover, after failing to convert on four championship points on Williams' serve at 5-3 in the second set, she responded in a reflexive way. "I'm pretty shocked still, I think I've got to take my time and enjoy because with tennis players it goes so fast, for Spanish people, this is the tournament." Muguruza was quoted saying in CNN hours later.
She admits that it's been intimidating to playing against Serena and now players know that it's possible to win and defeat her. It's great that there are new faces and she thinks it's a breath of fresh air. - Reports The New York Times.
It was the third straight near miss for Williams as she chases Graf's record and her second straight loss in a final. The 34-year-old was beaten by Germany's Angelique Kerber at the Australian Open in January. Williams was also defeated by Roberta Vinci in the US Open semi-in September last year.
Along with the bad weather, she also battled through the pain of an adductor injury but didn't put the blame on it. Both women demonstrated admirable fire and determination.
