Serena Williams is blaming nobody but herself for her devastating loss to Japanese star Naomi Osaka on Thursday. The 39-year-old former world No. 1 in women’s single tennis couldn’t control her tears at a post-match conference when she was being interviewed about her heartbreaking defeat.
After her 6-3 6-4 semi-final defeat to Naomi, Williams told reporters after the match that she made so many mistakes and also missed a lot of opportunities.
‘It was a big error day for me today,’ she told reporters after the match. ‘I had so many opportunities. It was just… I made too many mistakes there and easy mistakes. Not like I was on the run or anything. They were just easy, easy mistakes. The difference today was errors. I made so many errors today. Honestly, there were opportunities where I could have won. I could have been up 5-0.’ Williams added.
When asked to go deep about the mistakes and errors she made during the match, Williams replied: ‘I don’t know, I’m done,’ before walking out of the room in tears. The defeat which put and end to Williams’ bid for a 24th Grand Slam title might affect the tennis legend in one way or another.
Before leaving Australia, Williams has taken to Instagram to pen an emotional and heartbreaking statement to her fans for disappointing them.
In her statement, Williams talked about how she wishes she ‘could have done better’.
“Melbourne and my Australian fans- Today was not ideal outcome or performance but it happens… I am so honored to be able to play in front of you all.” Williams wrote alongside a powerful image of herself staring up at the sky. “Your support -your cheers, I only wish I could have done better for you today. I am forever in debt and grateful to each and everyone single one of you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I adore you.”
Japanese’s Naomi Osaka will now be the heavy favorite against America’s Jennifer Brady in Saturday’s final.
