Serena Williams Proves Maria Sharapova Is Not Her ‘Rival’
Final yr, the U.S. Open led to controversy for Serena Williams after she was accused of utilizing teaching throughout her remaining set in opposition to Naomi Osaka, the younger participant who finally defeated her and went on to take her first Grand Slam title.
The 2019 Open is proving, to this point, to be a lot completely different for the 18-time main champion. Many billed her opening match on Monday (August 26) in opposition to Maria Sharapova as a chance to rehash fiction about their “rivalry.” Serena, then again, had little interest in enjoying into that narrative — or preserving the rating shut.
Williams destroyed Sharapova 6-1, 6-1 to win her first-round match at Flushing Meadows, stretching her successful streak to 19 victories in opposition to the Russian-born tennis participant. She now leads their head-to-head collection 20-2. As one fan on Twitter identified, the final time Sharapova beat Williams, Barack Obama was an Illinois state senator.
The whole match solely lasted 59 minutes with Williams successful twice as many factors, 56-28, as Sharapova.
Serena entered the U.S. Open, the place she’s received six occasions, following questions on again spasms that compelled her to exit the Rogers Cup prematurely. She definitely answered any doubters on the court docket, and formally, afterward.
“The physique’s good. I really feel good,” Williams mentioned, in response to ESPN. “My again’s rather a lot higher. So I am excited. That is going to be enjoyable.”
The fast win additionally allowed her to get again to what’s actually essential: “I’m obsessive about my daughter,” she instructed reporters after her victory.
See highlights of Serena Williams’ crushing victory over Maria Sharapova beneath.
