WIMBLEDON: Serena Williams has sent out a warning to the rest of the women’s draw at Wimbledon after dismissing 2018 semi-finalist Julia Goerges 6-3, 6-3, to reach the fourth round.
During what was a rematch of their last four encounter at the All England Club 12 months ago, Williams zoned in almost instantly. Hitting the ball as hard as she could to dictate the rallies and spurring herself on with numerous shouts of ‘come on.’ The performance saw the seven-time champion hit seven aces alongside 19 winners, as she didn’t face a single break point.
“It’s been an arduous year for me so every match I am hoping that I will improve.” Williams reflected during her post-match interview.
“Every time I go out there I try. I’m getting a really late start, but all that matters is that I am still here (in Wimbledon).”
Five games into the match an eruption of applause started throughout the stadium. Not due to what was taking place on the court, but because of six Red Arrow airplanes flying over Wimbledon. Leaving behind a trail of red, white and blue smoke. It was also as if it was like a signal for Williams to attack, as she broke barely a minute after it took place. Piling pressure onto the German, a deep return triggered an error from Goerges to gift Williams two break points. She converted her second for a 4-2 lead at the expense of another error from across the court. Firmly in control, the American rallied through the remainder of the opener. After failing to capitalize on two set points, she prevailed on her third with a cross-court forehand winner than just landed in.
Showing no signs of easing the intensity of her gameplay, Williams continued to frustrate and wear down her rival. A lengthy Goerges service game saw the German save three break points before buckling. This time it was a speedy Williams backhand that forced her to return the ball out. Elevating Williams to a set and 3-2 lead. Strolling towards the finish line, the 37-year-old concluded her business-like performance in just over 80 minutes. A serve out wide, followed by a backhand shot triggered Georges to return the ball into the net on her second match point. Sending Williams into the fourth round.
Williams now leads Goerges 5-0 in their head-to-head and is yet to drop a set against her. At Wimbledon, she will play Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro in the fourth round. Suarez Navarro is through to the last 16 of the tournament for the third time in her career after defeating Lauren Davis 6-3, 6-3.
In their head-to-head, Williams leads the Spaniard 5-0. However, they haven’t played each other since 2015.
