Serena Williams’ Australian Open preparations has suffered a setback following a shock 4-6, 7-6(3), 4-6, loss to compatriot Madison Brengle.
The top seed appeared to be on course for a place in the last eight after racing to a 4-1 lead at the start of the match before Brengle unexpectedly won six consecutive games to seal the opening set. Williams, who thrashed Brengle 6-0, 6-1 in their previous encounter, was hampered by some erratic shot-making as she struggled in the windy conditions throughout.
Sealing the second set against the world No. 73, there was hope that Williams would be able to stage another dramatic comeback in her career. Starting the decider with a break point opportunity, the top seed failed to convert as a determined Brengle held her nerve. The inability to break proved too costly for Williams. Serving to stay in the match, she saved a duo of match points before gifting a third due to a double fault.
First #WTA career Top 3 win!!
World No.72 Madison Brengle knocks out Serena Williams 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-4! #ASBClassic pic.twitter.com/eSHu1i4mHe
— WTA (@WTA) 4 January 2017
Following her loss, Williams criticised her own performance during her press conference. Hitting a shocking 88 unforced errors against Brengle, the 22-time grand slam champion describe her game as ‘obscene’ and ‘unprofessional’.
“88 is just way too many unforced errors. It’s a lot, I can’t expect to win with so many unforced errors. I just couldn’t get used to the wind,” said Williams.
“My opponent played in the same conditions. Obviously she was more used to it and her game was more suited to it.”
Besides her unusually high error count, Williams also failed to convert 10/12 break points and won just 37% of return points. Even after clinching the second set tiebreak against Brengle, the 35-year-old remained uncomfortable on the court.
“I felt good, but I never found any rhythm.” She said after winning the second set. ” I never hit any return in the vicinity of the court. I never returned like that in my life, so it’s a little frustrating, especially since I work so hard in the off-season.”
The loss is a blip in Williams’ return to the tour from a shoulder injury which ended her 2016 season early. Nevertheless, she is confident that it will not have a big impact on her Australian Open run.
“I can take solace in the fact the conditions won’t be like this in Melbourne.” Williams said about the Auckland weather. “This was not even a great opportunity to access your game to be honest.”
“(It was) my least favourite conditions.” She added.
Williams’ conqueror Brengle has now picked up her maiden win over a top three player. The 26-year-old, who is yet to win a WTA title, will play seventh seed Jelena Ostapenko. Ostapenko defeated Mirjana Lucic-Baroni 6-2, 7-6(3), in her second round match.
Venus withdraws
Earlier on Thursday, Williams sister Venus was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to an arm injury. Venus, who is the second seed in the tournament, experienced pain in her arm throughout her 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 win over wildcard Jade Lewis on Wednesday according to tournament director Karl Budge.
“She wasn’t able to serve as she would ordinarily like to and at the level we’ve come to expect from Venus and unfortunately that has taken her away from the tournament this year,” said Budge.
Venus’ withdrawal send Japan’s Naomi Osaka into the last eight. She will play Ana Konjuh next after the Croat dismissed Yania Wickmayer 6-1, 6-2.
