Serena left looking in the mirror

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:32

Williams, the second seed, will have to wait another year to repeat her title-winning exploits of 2002 after being downed 7-6 (7/3) 5-7 7-5 by seventh seed Kuznetsova on Suzanne Lenglen court.

“In the third set, I had an opportunity and I got really tight. And I pretty much gave it to her,” said the 27-year-old.

“It was like I said, ‘Here, do you want to go to the semis? Because I don’t’. And she was like, ‘Okay’.

“I made it hard for myself more than anything. Honestly, I think I lost because of me and not because of anything she did. I don’t think that makes it easier.”

Williams added it was the first time she had “got tight” since the Australian Open in 2007, a year she went on to win the title at Melbourne Park.

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By Tim Farthing

About the Author / Tim Farthing

Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.