Serena Williams crashes out at 1st round in French Open

PARIS: Serena Williams crashed to the worst Grand Slam defeat of her career on Tuesday when she slumped to a dramatic and thrilling 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 French Open loss to France’s world 111 Virginie Razzano.

It was the 30-year-old American’s first ever quit at the opening round stage of her 47-event Grand Slam career and her very earliest loss at a major since she was knocked out of the Australia Open second round by sister Venus in 1998.

On a nights incredible stress on Philippe Chatrier Court, Williams saved 7 match points in the 9th game of the nerve-jangling decider.

“I fought until the end. You (the crowd) gave me your energy. I’m gonna have to rest. Thank you all for your support,” said a breathless Razzano after a 3 hour battle.

Williams had the late evening match in her hands when she led by a set and 5/1 in the second set tiebreak as she looked set for a routine win.

But Razzano, the favorite of the Paris crowd after playing the 2011 French Open just days after the loss of life of her fiance from a brain tumor, then reeled off the next six points of the breaker to level the tie.

Amidst growing stress and emotion, Williams, a 13 time Grand Slam title winner, appeared to cry as she sat in her courtside chair ahead of the final set.

Posted on May 30 2012. Filed under Tennis. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry