A series of almighty shouts and roars erupted from Serena Williams throughout her second round win over Tamara Zidanšek at the Australian Open.
Seeking a record-equalling 24th grand slam title, the eighth seed battled to a 6-2, 6-3, victory over the 22-year-old world No.70. Conducting her usual display of power hitting on the court, Williams was highly animated during her latest encounter with various screams and shouts of ‘come on.’
“It was a good match for me. She was a really good fighter and she didn’t let me win.” Williams said during her on court interview.
“I was up forty-love on both her serves (in the second set) and I got a little bit frustrated. There were so many errors in a row and I just had to battle through that, my own internal problems.” She added.
Despite the seemingly one-sided score, it was a far from perfect performance from the former world No.1. Her 25 winners produced were cancelled out by 28 unforced errors. At times she also struggled behind her second serve by winning just 46% of points and could only convert four out of 14 break point opportunities. However, in spite of those blips Williams still had the firepower and skill to topple her fellow top 100 player in just under 80 minutes.
It has been 22 years since Williams last lost in the second round at Melbourne Park. Taking to the court for her latest match, the 38-year-old started off guns blazing against the Slovenian. Who is yet to beat a top 10 player in her career. Twice she dismantled the Zidansek serve during the opener. At the start of the match she immediately broke with the help of a forehand shot from her opponent drifting wide. Four games later, Williams eased to the double break. Enabling her to clinch a 6-2 lead in just 32 minutes.
Despite her dominance on the Rod Laver Arena, there were still areas of Williams’ game to work on. Especially concerning her at times tentative forehand that produced both outstanding winners and a few lacklustre mistakes. However, the eighth seed did receive a reprieve from Zidansek, who confusingly appeared be reluctant to hit the ball to her temperamental forehand side.
The frustration of the American grew throughout the second frame due to her inability to break. Twice she held a 40-0 advantage against the Zidansek serve, but failed to capitalize on those advantages. Despite the blips, Williams managed to establish her lead once again. Breaking for a set and 4-3 lead to close in on victory. Blasting her way to her first match point, Williams prevailed with a forehand winner that sailed past her rival.
“I knew I had to play better. I couldn’t keep making unforced errors like that.” Said Williams
“I knew that I had to step up or it was going to be a long evening for me.’
“I know I have a great forehand and backhand. I just had to rely on it a bit more and not question myself so much.”
In the next round Williams will play Chinese 27th seed Wang Qiang. Wang thrashed Fiona Ferro 6-1, 6-2, in her second round match.
