Serena Williams broke down in tears and cut short her post-match press conference after another failed bid to equal Margaret Court’s record Grand Slam haul, calling her defeat to Naomi Osaka “a big error day”.
The veteran American’s quest to reach a ninth Australian Open final and match Court’s 24 major singles titles ended in a 6-3, 6-4 semi-final mauling by the Japanese third seed.
Williams, 39, broke early for a 2-0 lead before Osaka reeled off five straight games to leave her shellshocked.
“The difference today was errors. I made so many errors,” said the 23-time Grand Slam champion.
“Honestly, it was opportunities where I could have won. I could have been up 5-0. It was a big error day for me.”
Pressed on what caused her to make so many mistakes, tears began to flow as she told reporters: “I don’t know. I’m done,” before walking out.
In a clash of power games, it was Osaka who had the edge, hitting 20 winners to Williams’s 12, while also committing three fewer unforced errors on 21.
Williams said she had been hitting well all tournament and had no explanation for the loss other than “too many mistakes there, easy mistakes”.
Osaka’s victory left her still stranded on 23 Grand Slam crowns, one short of Court’s tally, with her last major title coming in Melbourne four years ago when she was pregnant.
Williams has lost four Slam finals since and as she walked off court put her hand over her heart, almost as if saying farewell.
Asked about it afterwards, she suggested the gesture was more about acknowledging the crowd, who were allowed back into Rod Laver Arena after a five-day snap lockdown and gave the American a rousing send-off.
“I don’t know. If I ever say farewell, I wouldn’t tell anyone,” she said
But Williams later posted a heartfelt message to her Australian fans on Instagram.
“Today was not ideal outcome or performance but it happens … I am so honoured to be able to play in front of you all,” she said.
“Your support — your cheers, I only wish I could have done better for you today. I am forever in debt and grateful to each and everyone single one of you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I adore you.”
Osaka, who is 16 years younger than Williams and grew up watching her, said she was honoured to be on the same court.
“I mean, it definitely means a lot. I think, of course, every time I play her, I feel like it’s something I’ll definitely remember a lot,” she said, adding that talk of the American retiring made her “sad”.
“I want her to play forever,” she said. “That’s the little kid in me.” AFP
Still a legend!
Kenny James Nhimura Hello dear, do you know you can earn over $10,000 in seven days time? Add up for more information.
She just needs to retire with dignity at one time she harrassed umpires after a defeat.She is a star she broke records just retire yur bats my sister
Maphosa Shepard Hello dear, do you know you can earn over $10,000 in seven days time? Add up for more information.
How old is she?
Oska is now the face of woman tennis as much as i love her she must not be heart broken even her sister went thr the same route sign of aging
Irvine Munjanja Hello dear, do you know you can earn over $10,000 in seven days time? Add up for more information.
Don’t cry Serena yu hev achieved a lot
People who are like mugabe are too many. Why the old lady can’t hang boots. I grew up reading about her as the star in tennis way back in the 90s still now she can’t smell the coffee
She can’t compete with osaka she is old now.she must just retire .serena made history already what else does she want
U can’t win all dae tym
Important to know when to leave the dance floor. Defeat and failure can be both fatal and final if you stay a minute longer.
I do feel for her.
Sport & age
Retire and get away with Mugabe mentality. If not you will stroke on the court. Shedding tears at your age really
Negativity Zimbabwe itai steady
She should throw in the towel and move on
Another caster semenya this one