Skip to main content

Advertisement

Advertisement

Williams says Aussie Open loss is wake-up call

MELBOURNE — Serena Williams (picture) said her upset loss in the Australian Open final was a wake-up call for the rest of the year if she wants to add to her 21 Grand Slam titles.

Serena Williams. Photo: Reuters

Serena Williams. Photo: Reuters

MELBOURNE — Serena Williams (picture) said her upset loss in the Australian Open final was a wake-up call for the rest of the year if she wants to add to her 21 Grand Slam titles.

The 34-year-old world No 1 was a clear favourite to win her seventh title at Melbourne Park, but Angelique Kerber did not read the script, stunning the defending champion 6-4, 3-6, 6-4. The shock halted Williams’ bid to match Steffi Graf’s Open-era record of 22 Grand Slam titles, which will now have to wait until the French Open in June.

Williams was gracious in defeat, praising Kerber generously, and said she would learn from her mistakes — of which there were many in an uncharacteristically error-strewn performance.

“For sure, I think it’s good to know that if I want to win some tournaments, I have to play better,” she said.

“I was missing a lot off the ground, coming to the net. She kept hitting some great shots, actually every time I came in.

“I think I kept picking the wrong shots coming into it. But, honestly, it’s something to learn from, just to try to get better.”

Kerber, seeded seventh, made the most of the litany of unforced errors, but also played some quality tennis, dominating points from the baseline while landing some crucial drop shots.

Afterwards Williams seemed almost as happy as Kerber, crossing to the other side of the net to embrace the 28-year-old. Kerber called the gesture the sign of a great champion.

“She told me she’s really happy for me and that I really deserved it,” said the German. “So, yeah, you saw that she is really a great person.”

Williams joked, “I should get into acting!” when told she looked almost as happy as her opponent. She added: “No, I was actually really happy for her. She’s been around a really long time. We’ve had a number of matches. I’ve beaten her a lot.

“She played so well. She had an attitude that I think a lot of people can learn from: Just to always stay positive and to never give up. So, honestly, if I couldn’t win, I’m happy she did.”

Williams also noted that her loss meant Kerber would move behind her at world No 2 when the new rankings are released today.

“I mean, I’m like, whoa, No 2. What’s after two is one, so I guess I better be careful,” she quipped. AFP

Read more of the latest in

Advertisement

Advertisement

Stay in the know. Anytime. Anywhere.

Subscribe to get daily news updates, insights and must reads delivered straight to your inbox.

By clicking subscribe, I agree for my personal data to be used to send me TODAY newsletters, promotional offers and for research and analysis.