Thursday, March 28, 2024

Serena Williams Using Australian Open Upset as Motivation

Australian Open runner-up Serena Williams of the United States speaks during a press conference after losing the Women's Singles Final to Angelique Kerber of Germany on day 13 of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 30, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia.
Australian Open runner-up Serena Williams of the United States speaks during a press conference after losing the Women’s Singles Final to Angelique Kerber of Germany on day 13 of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 30, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia.

*Serena Williams said her upset in the Australian Open final over the weekend was a wake-up call for her remaining 2016 schedule if she wants to add to her 21 Grand Slam titles.

“For sure, I think it’s good to know that if I want to win some tournaments, I have to play better,” said the 34-year-old world number one and defending champion after losing to Angelique Kerber 6-4, 3-6, 6-4.

Williams’ bid to match Steffi Graf’s Open-era record of 22 Grand Slam titles screeched to a halt with the loss. Her next shot will come at the French Open in June.

Williams said she would learn from her mistakes in the Kerber match — of which there were many.

“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,” said Williams.

(L-R) Serena Williams of the United States and winner Angelique Kerber of Germany stand on stage during the trophy presentation following the Women's Singles Final on day 13 of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 30, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia.
(L-R) Serena Williams of the United States and winner Angelique Kerber of Germany stand on stage during the trophy presentation following the Women’s Singles Final on day 13 of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 30, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia.

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

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

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.

“I was really inspired by that. So, honestly, she’s a really good girl. If I couldn’t win, I’m happy she did.”

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