Paris-Serena Williams waits for record-breaking 24th Grand Slam singles title after being defeated by American player Elena Rybakina 6-3 7-5 in the fourth round of the French Open on Sunday ing.
Rybakina, 21, played only in the seventh draw of the Grand Slam main race, and Williams faced danger from the moment he played in the first two service games without losing points.
And that was proved when 7th seed Williams bowed to add yet another twist to the highly unpredictable women’s event.
The road to the finals looked attractive as many big names were eliminated, including Victoria Azarenka, who could be an opponent in Williams’ quarterfinals.
However, Williams, who won the final Grand Slam title at the 2017 Australian Open, couldn’t find the A game.
She remained philosophical despite her defeat, but said her expectations for the tournament were not high.
“I’m in a much better place than when I came here,” the American told reporters.
“As you know, I was literally trying to win the match because it was a really difficult season on clay. I love clay, but I wish I could win the match. Is like the place where I came in. “
Fearless Rybakina
39-year-old Williams couldn’t really find range, but she recovered from an early service break in the first set.
However, the fearless Rybakina, who scored 21 wins against Williams’ 15 wins throughout the contest, responded brilliantly and broke again, confidently putting the opener in his pocket.
A calm and clean hit, Rybakina defeated Williams’ serve 3-3 in the second set, but quickly dropped his service as he betrayed the first signs of nerves.
It was Williams who competed for the 64th round 16 in the slam, but he stumbled. She hesitated and looked sluggish and dropped a serve for love in the next game.
Rybakina, who was born in Moscow but represents Kazakhstan, calmly won the biggest victory of his career as Williams shot a long backhand shot one hour and 17 minutes later.
Her reaction was subdued, but she later explained her readiness for the match.
“I follow the plans we have. If it works, we win, if it doesn’t, we just learn from the game. It’s all an experience for me,” she said.
When Williams left Court Philippe-Chatrie, she bent over to pick up dust, which probably suggests she’s running out of time to win the three French Open titles. ..
However, she will arrive at Wimbledon as one of her favorites as she tries to compete with Margaret Court’s 24 Grand Slam singles titles. Williams said her gesture was a farewell to Roland Garros. I neglected the proposal.
“I’m not thinking at all,” she said. “I’m definitely thinking only about other things. I’m not thinking about that.”
After Russia defeats 15th seed Azarenka 5-7 6-3 6-2, Rybakina will face 31st seed Anastasia Pavruchenkova to advance to the semi-finals.