World number three Serena Williams admitted during a well-attended press conference after her shock loss to 19-year old Sloane Stephens at the Australian Open 2013 quarterfinals that she’s “almost relieved” that everything’s over.
“Oh, my gosh, I’m almost relieved that it’s over because there’s only so much I felt I could do,” Williams said.
“But, oh my gosh, it’s been a little difficult. I’ve been thrown a lot of balls these two weeks,” she added.
Williams aggravated a back injury which she said has flared as early as the second round during her match against Stephens and that may have played a major role for her loss. She said that everyone can tell that that was not her “best match in months.”
“I don’t think my level was high. I don’t know how many unforced errors I ended up hitting, but for sure more in one set than I probably did in the whole tournament,”
“So I think her level was high. But as for my end, I mean, you can tell. You each can say this is definitely not my best match in months.”
Williams posted an uncharacteristic 48 unforced errors and millions of fans glued to the match worldwide saw her smash, literally destroyed, her racquet due to frustration.
Despite the loss, Williams said that Stephens played well on the match.
“I think my opponent played well and was able to do a really good job,” she said.
“She’s a good player. She run fast and she gets a lot of balls back. That’s always a plus to have in your career.”
Serena Williams’ campaign at the Australian Open 2013 was officially over with this loss. She and her sister Venus Williams were bounced out at the ladies’ doubles quarterfinals the day before.
