After the milestone defeat, Williams said, “I even told the physio, I’m not sure I’m going to be able to play because this is just not looking good. I actually was really bad last night.
“And then they helped me out. I hit a little bit today in the morning and I hit them pretty well. I was just like, OK, I have been playing for over 30 years. I know I can at least play tennis. After that I just went out to play a match.”
Both players were unable to play well which made the match somewhat disjointed although Williams started powerfully despite the fact that she was indisposed and was a set and 4-1 up before her serve deserted her.
Her opponent then took over winning the second on a tie-break and was a break up in the decider before Williams resurfaced to reel off the last six games for the win.
She said, “I got so frustrated. I was just so angry with myself.
“I pretty much gave the match away. I think she played really well. But at the same time, I gave it to her. I started hitting double faults. I was really frustrated with myself. I just had to pull it together.
“I haven’t done great at Wimbledon the past two years, so I’m going to take it a day at a time there.
“My goal is just to do better than in the last couple of years. That’s the one I’ve been struggling at so hopefully I will be able to play a little better there.
“I mean it’s perfect for my game, so now that my arm is better I’m hoping to get better there.”
