Monday 26 July, 2021
The American superstar twice fell to the floor of Centre Court, struggling to get back to her feet on the second occasion.
Roger Federer and Ashleigh Barty both progressed but only after overcoming scares.
The 39-year-old has four Olympic gold medals and made her debut at the Sydney Games in 2000.
Williams took the positives after a 6-3 7-5 defeat to Elena Rybakina.
Elsewhere there were wins for Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev.
The US star earned a first-round 7-6 (8/6), 6-2 win over Irina-Camelia Begu.
From The42
In the women’s draw, defending champion Iga Swiatek opens against Slovenia’s Kaja Juvan.
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.
Williams moves one step closer to a 24th grand slam title with a 6-3 6-3 victory.
Thiem fell to Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrovin in straight sets.
There was also a stunning win for lion-hearted Aslan Karatsev against Diego Schwartzman.
Williams has only lost five games in her first two matches at Melbourne Park.
Williams has to pull out of a date with world No1 Ashleigh Barry at the Yarra Valley Classic – just days before Australian Open starts.
Her wait to equal Margaret Court’s Grand Slam titles record goes on.
Rafa Nadal, meanwhile, says he will defend his title in the ‘most difficult conditions’ he has ever met at Roland Garros.
Azarenka’s first win over Williams in a grand slam event sets up her first major final appearance in seven years.
From The42
Former world number one Victoria Azarenka awaits the American in the semi-finals.
The American great edged past Tsvetana Pironkova.
Meanwhile, there was controversy as the top women’s doubles seeds were pulled from the tournament due to a close contact with a confirmed Covid case.
Williams is one title away from matching Court’s record.
Angel City will be the temporary name of the club until a formal one is decided.
The US star she struggled with her mental health after being constantly touted as the sport’s next big thing.
The greats of the men and women’s game would be very close to 40 if they chase Grand Slams into next summer.
Tennis stars have reacted with dismay to the news that Wimbledon has been cancelled for 2020.
The impact of the current pandemic is unprecedented, with sports stars sidelined worldwide.
The former world number one announced in December that this would be her final tournament.
She was sensationally knocked out in the third round by China’s Wang Qiang.
Williams beat fellow American Jessica Pegula 6-3 6-4 in the women’s final in New Zealand.
Teenager Bianca Andreescu stunned the American in Saturday’s final.
Andreescu beat Serena Williams in straight sets, 6-3 7-5, at Flushing Meadows.
The Canadian 15th seed overcame Belinda Bencic to face the 38-year-old great in Saturday’s final.
Serena Williams got a scare before ousting 17-year-old US wildcard Caty McNally.
In the men’s draw, Novak Djokovic may have to see off Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal to defend his crown.
Bianca Andreescu won by default after just four games.
The 2018 French Open winner was crowned Women’s Singles champion on Saturday with a superb display.
The American star is one match away from equalling Margaret Court’s Grand Slam title record.
Although their Wimbledon dream came to an end, Williams and Murray are keen to play with each other again.
The pair were knocked out by the number one seeds this afternoon.
The pair overcame 14th seeds Fabrice Martin and Raquel Atawo on Tuesday evening.
The 37-year-old said she ‘couldn’t find peace’ after US Open meltdown.
