Williams Sisters Bounced in First Round

09/02/2022

By: Matthew Cahill

Linda Nosková and Lucie Hradecká Defeat the Williams Sisters in Straight Sets

For the first time ever, a first-round doubles match was held at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The reason? The Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, were once again taking center stage under the bright lights of the US Open. Thousands of fans packed the stadium in hopes of watching the sisters revive what had made them formidable winners of 14 Grand Slam doubles titles.

 

Unfortunately, they fell short as Serena was not able to perform her winning twirl when she and Venus lost in straight sets against Lucie Hradecka and Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic. The Williams sisters looked to be in control towards the end of the first set as they were up 5-4 (with two set points), and again at 6-5. The sisters failed to convert both times and lost the set in a tiebreak (5-7) where they were up 5-3 at one point. In the second set, they were unable to change momentum and were down 0-3 before mounting a comeback to tie it up at 4-4. However, they would falter there as the Czech Republic pair took the remaining two games to close out the second set, 6-4.

 

Even with the loss last night, Serena is still alive at the US Open, as she prepares for the third round of the singles draw later tonight against Ajla Tomljanović (7:00 PM ET). Many say that the doubles loss could be a blessing in disguise if she continues to win in singles. Will the raucous night crowd spur her on and inspire her to summon the dominance of her glory days again? Like with all the greatest champions, you can never count them out. Besides, this GOAT said it best, “I’m Just Serena.”

 

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Photo: Jamie Squire / Getty Images