‘Just Serena’: Williams’ upset win at US Open keeps the legend advancing in final days of her storied career
Holly Newbold | USA TODAY
Show Caption Hide Caption Serena Williams’ final press conference Serena Williams’ final press conference.
NEW YORK – Serena Williams’ defeat of Carla Suarez Navarro set off an emotional weekend as the three-time champion battled her way into the final round of her comeback at the U.S. Open.
The 32-year-old withdrew from her tournament opener in St. Petersburg last weekend and took an indefinite leave from practice for an elbow injury that had bothered her since the start of the season.
She returned to play in her first tournament since the injury in the third round at the Western & Southern Open at the end of July. But Williams never showed the form she had enjoyed before her 2017 surgery, losing in five sets at the same tournament after having a chance to break through in the quarterfinals.
“I’m excited about the fact that Serena had the most successful tournament of the year winning two championships,” said her father, John, who came to the U.S. Open from South Africa to see his daughter play. “She was the player and she was the person. She always was the person to me. But she came out of the gate like a rocket. She fought through her pain, she fought through her injury, and she fought through the pressure. She is a warrior, and for that I’m just honored to be part of her journey.”
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“The U.S. Open is an iconic event for any champion, and I am excited to be here in the U.S. with my brother and the entire family, playing