Serena Williams is struggling to digest possibly her most painful defeat after her self-confessed “inevitable” march to Margaret Court’s grand slam singles record hit another dead end.
Williams’ 6-3 7-5 US Open final loss to inspired teenager Bianca Andreescu on Saturday was the American’s fourth consecutive tumble at the last hurdle of a major since the birth of her daughter Olympia in September 2017.
The former world No.1 has failed to even win a set in all four flops, including last year against Naomi Osaka at Flushing Meadows and the past two deciders at Wimbledon to Angelique Kerber and Simona Halep.
Williams described coughing up eight double-faults against Andreescu, including one on set point in the first set, and others on break points, as “inexcusable”.
“Bianca obviously played well. I think her returns make me play better and puts pressure on my serve. At the same time it’s inexcusable for me to play at that level,” Williams said.
“I honestly didn’t play my best today. I could have played better. That’s the only solace that I can take right now.
“I believe I could have done more. I believe I could have just been more Serena today.
“I honestly don’t think Serena showed up. I have to kind of figure out how to get her to show up in grand slam finals.”
But the harsh reality is, after winning 22 of her first 26 grand slam finals, Williams has now lost six of her past seven either side of maternity leave.
Turning 38 this month and already the oldest women’s major finalist, time is running out for Williams to equal Court’s record tally that has stood since 1973.
“I’m not necessarily chasing a record. I’m just trying to win grand slams,” Williams said.
“It’s definitely frustrating but for the most part I just am still here. I’m still doing what I can do.
“Truly is super frustrating. I’m, like, so close, so close, so close, yet so far away.
“I don’t know what to say. I guess I got to keep going if I want to be a professional tennis player.
“And I just got to just keep fighting through it.”
It was less than 48 hours earlier that Williams all but dismissed the notion of never catching Court.
“What we don’t understand is when I get 24, cos it’s inevitable, you guys are going to ask me about 25 and to pass the record – and that’s what you don’t get,” Williams told ESPN.
“It’s like ‘why hasn’t she won (24 yet?)’
“I’ve been in four finals out of seven grand slams that I’ve played. Obviously that’s not enough for me; and I’m glad it’s not enough for me.
“I would hate for it to be enough for me and that’s the career that I’ve built for myself and I’m OK to have that on my shoulders.”
