Lexington (United States) (AFP)
Suprise at Lexington: Serena Williams (9th) was eliminated in the quarterfinals 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) by an unknown, Shelby Rogers, ranked 116th in the world and whom she met for the first times, after a long match of more than two hours.
The day after her already grueling fight won against her sister Venus (67th), Serena ran out of juice to continue for so long, for her return to competition after several months of stoppage due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Very rarely, the 38-year-old star had not lost against an opponent ranked beyond the top 100 since his disillusionment in the first round of Roland Garros in 2012 against the Frenchwoman Virginie Razzano.
Williams was however expeditious in the first set, winning it in just 26 minutes, with an almost perfect start, especially in return of serve, with two breaks concluded.
Shelby Rogers did not let it count, therefore holding his service game to steal that of his illustrious opponent at 5-4 on his third break point, after a long exchange, and tie one set everywhere.
The last set was very close as neither of the two players gave up their commitment. In the tie-break, Serena managed a break to lead 3-1 immediately erased by Rogers, who continued with four points, coming off 5-3, before concluding 7-5 on his second match point.
Serena Williams, who made the US Open (August 31-September 13) a major goal, must continue her preparation for the Cinicinnati tournament which will also be played in New York from August 21.
For Shelby Rogers, the adventure continues in Lexington where the Swiss Jil Teichmann (63rd world) will face Saturday for a place in the final.
© 2020 AFP