It must have been the shock of the opening day of the evening session on the Arthur-Ashe court, but there was not really a match: the American Serena Williams smashed the Russian Maria Sharapova 6-1, 6-1 in the first round of the US Open on Monday.
"It's never easy to play against Maria. After the draw, all my training was very hard, very sharp, because it was a very difficult draw, "said Williams after a duel that did not even last an hour (59 minutes ).
Sharapova, winner of Flushing Meadows in 2006 and former world No.1, will have tried everything, including volleyballs that have never really been part of her arsenal.
But opposite, Serena, today 8th in the world, was perfectly intractable.
Finalist last year and still looking for a 7th trophy at Flushing Meadows after 1999, 2002, 2008, 2012, 2013 and 2014, Williams is still waiting to win his first tournament since returning from maternity in March 2018. His last trophy So goes back to the Australian Open, its 23rd major title in January 2017, despite three Grand Slam finals contested since.
And his 2019 season was also thwarted by knee problems and, in recent weeks, back.
"The body is fine, assured the American after qualifying Monday. My back is much better, so we'll have fun! "She said to a delighted audience.
The other main seeded players had much more difficulties.
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https://www.tvasports.ca/2019/08/26/le-choc-serena-le-flop-sharapova
