Serena wins emotional encounter

 

Originally published on: 21/06/11 17:29

Serena Williams sealed an emotional first round win after emerging triumphant in a testing encounter with Aravane Rezai. 

The four-time Wimbledon champion succumbed to tears after defeating the Frenchwoman 6-3 3-6 6-1 in just her second tournament since suffering from a pulmonary embolism earlier this year.  

“It definitely hit me at the end of the match,” admitted the 13-time Grand Slam champion in her post match press conference.  

“It was so emotional for me because, you know, throughout the last 12 months I’ve been through a lot of things that aren’t normal, things you guys don’t even know about. It’s been a long, arduous road. To stand up still is pretty awesome.” 

Fellow American Andy Roddick, who also survived an opening test with a 6-4 7-6 6-3 victory over Andreas Beck, was quick to praise his compatriot and friend.  

“One thing we’ve never really questioned with Serena is her competitive spirit, especially when she gets out there, I think she just hates losing,” said Roddick, who tipped the former world No.1 to go deep into the tournament this year. 

“I don’t count her out of any situation,” he added. “I don’t think it would surprise anybody in this room if she went on and won this tournament. I don’t know how many people you can say that about after a year.”

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