News
Serena Scores Convincing Win
By Craig Gabriel
It was all systems go for Serena Williams as she marched into the third round of Wimbledon. The two-time champion and this year's second seed wasted no time in despatching the Australian Jarmila Groth 6-2, 6-1.
It was another glorious day in London as bright sunshine bathed the grass courts of the All England Lawn Tennis Club. The temperatures were warm but so comfortable in which to play and on the grass courts even if the mercury had risen further they would not have been as oppressive as let's say the hard courts in North America or even Australia.
The match was played on Court One which is shaped like a flying saucer. Maybe somewhat appropriate as Serena played likes she was from outer space with some of the returns she struck. Certainly the 22 year old Australian was nervous; the only time she had played on that court was in the semi finals of the juniors, so this was a completely different prospect.
"Today I thought I played really well," Serena said. "I knew she was gonna be tough, so I was like, Okay, I have to be ready for the match, but for me there's always room for improvement. I still think I could have returned better, came to the net a little bit more. That's exciting to think that I can do better."
Asked about the longevity that she and Venus have had in the game when so many other players have given the game away possibly through burnout, Serena said it comes down to how much they enjoy what they are doing and relishing every moment they can. It was also put to her that Wimbledon and Williams seemed to go hand-in-hand.
"It would be flattering for people to say it's not as exciting," she said. "And if people could think that, that would really make me feel really good. But I don't know right now. Wimbledon and Williams are here, and we want to be here this year, next year, and years to come."
In the third round she will play the Italian Roberta Vinci who upset the 31st seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
Serena u look powerful. I enjoyed that beat down. I cannot believe that mary joe fernandez how she constantly criticizes u and Venus. She needs to keep her mouth shut if she has nothing nice to say. At any rate u look fit as a fiddle and keep up the good work. Proud of u gurl.
Serena you are my favourite female tennis player, I hope you reach the Wimbledon Final, I hope you play Venus in the final. I'm from Sydney Australia and I have been a fan of both you and your sister for a very long time.
Serena I think you did a great job on the court today. Your opponent started out very strong and tough, but fizzed out as you turned on the Diva Tennis game. I really enjoy watching you and yur sister Venus play. I hope we will be graced with your presence for the championship game. Big sports fan of the game - JaNiece
Congrats again! Serena we are so proud and stay inspired by the things that you are passionate about. I am 40+ yrs of age so that says a lot for you. lol My daughter's dreams will come true one day. We believe it, so we are waiting. I can't wait to work with you on making things better for children that want it, that deserve it. See ya when you give my girls a tennis lesson!! ( hear my faith) Can't wait to see you play again. Wimbledon White is beautiful.
Hi Serena, you played awesome today, you're coming out of the locker room hungry and are eating up your opponents. I have a very good feeling about this. I see you doing so many things out there that nobody knows what the heck you're going to do next. I can't wait to see what is going to happen in the next natch. Great show, great show Serena, thank you very much!
Serena no one does it better like you do on court.I like your aggression,composure and your focus.Go for the title is yours for taken.And God bless you for your charity works.
Serena you looked so good today. I can't wait for your next match. good luck
Man, u kicked butt today! I swear, I blinked one good time and the match was over lol. U were strong thru the whole match and I'm always hype thru ur matches so it was great for me watching. U got that championship look in ur eyes gurl, I love it! Keep going strong!
Serena you looked so good today. I can't wait for your next match. good luck
SERENA YOU ARE THE BEST, YOU'RE RANKING MAY NOT BE #1 BUT YOU ARE 2 ME.
That was a great match today Serena
Hi Serena,you are powerful this year,I wish you to beat Dinara Safina every where you will meet her,if you will do it I promess you to love you too much. Good luck!
Great match today!. Love the score, awesome!. Keep it up. Loved your focused look too.
Congrat Serena! I enjoyed watching your game. As usual you are number one. Dgemeda
You are simply one of the BEST (Venus being the other one) :) Love you both!!!!
Serena, 6-1, 6-2. You were hungry today. If they come up with another RULE, just listen, digest it, and eat it out on the court. It's not the rule, it's the control they want over you. It's not what court you play on, it's not what ranking you are. It's YOU and your HEART. Stay focus on your goal and you will succeed.
I blinked and your match was over, lol. You were fire!
That right Serena let them know that you and your sister plan on being in the game for years to come! What a testament to your desire and love for your sport. I'm sure you've noticed that all the haters have shut up about your inteterest for your sport. I think Chris Evert LLoyd Mills Norman should concentrate on sustaining a marriage instead of trying to inject her past into your present. And not to be nasty but where are your past rivals?Hingis(banned for coke)Henin(burntout)and have you seen Capriati on the Superstars? Ha. Puhleeze. I'm too proud of yall
Awesome match, Serena! I love watching you play. Continued success in singles and doubles and blessings that you stay healthy and happy! Get 'em, Serena!
Serena, watch out for Svetlana's coach..I noticed that when you were playing Svetlana at the French open the coach was holding up this "Rosary" on her arm and did you noticed you suddenly became tight, a rare phenomenon for you. These people are evil, you were definitely going to win the French. Anyway, be wise this time and if you have to play her at Wimbledon, please bring your prayer warriors on board. God is your fortress and refuge, stay strong and focused as always. Victory is mine sayeth the Lord!!!. Beverly Snyder
i wish to Miss Serena you will win all grand slam title in a recored time in a row shyam gupta india
I am also particularly impressed with your performance so far already advancing to the third round. I just want you to remain focused even as the tournament progresses until you come out tops. Do take care of yourself and remain blessed.
I wish you and Venus the best in your matches today.
Serena, yesterday you were awesome against Jarmila Groth. You were to strong for that little girl. Right now I am watching your sister Venus whooping on Bondarenko(7:00 am cst) I hope to see you two in the finals again! I love watching you two go at it. Good luck to you both at Wimbledon 2009. Gwen Hart, MO
Cool..keep the balls flying! I love it! Iam so happy!
Serena you played great....your backhand was working beautifully. At this rate you will be in Final, just take one match at a time.
impressive serena ! you are the best, wimbledo sisters
I love you Serena! Can't wait 4 the next match!!! Lets put that Williams power on her!
I always want to watch the Serena Williams play. You are the no. 1 of the world. I have no doubt that you are going to win.____Good luck and may God bless. Remus from Roma-Italy
THANK YOUR JEHOVA FOR EACH AND EVERY WIN. WITH GOD EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE
Hello Serena, I love how even though you’re playing so awesome, you still are trying to improve your game. I’m looking forward to your next match. You’re looking good.
Serena, you looked great in the match on Wed, I knew you had your mojo in your bag(smile). Keep doing what you're doing and you will be in the finals. Lou H
CAN YOU BELIEVE MICHAEL JACKSON IS GONE. WOW! I CANT BELIEVE THIS!!!
Serena you are an amazing athlete and I admire everything you do! I know that you are going to make it to the finals and you believe I will be one of many to be watching that match!! I'm so amazed by you!! xoxoxo
Good luck Serena today in your match and also in the doubles. Fingers crossed as always!
I've ALWAYS been a fan of the WILLIAMS sisters. With all due respect to VENUS, I wish SERENA wins Wimby '09. You've got lots of fans here in the UAE... we're behind you all the way!!!! GOOD LUCK!
serena, i watch the game through television in Nigeria, and i know you will make it. love you.
HEY SERENA YOU DID GREAT AS USUAL,KEEP D POWER BURNING AND HOPE TO SEE U PLAY VEE IN D FINALS AT WIMBLEDON. GO GALSSSSSSSSSSSS! BINTA
Congratulations on your win Serena, haven’t lost a set yet.
great performance Serena! congrats! I´m happy for you!! :)
Congrats today on your victory!!!! Good luck in the next round!
a tear of gratitude always come to my eye with each win. i hope the world will see your beauty and the beauty of people of colour - sisters of colour even. luv you,
I like your composure in that game.
just happy to see serena winning,happy to know she is happy.abiola akingbade
hope you got enough rest so you girls can go out there and kick sum more butt!!!!!
congrats are in order again serena .great job and good kuck in the next round!!!!
Im really impressed i mean normally ur first match u strugle a big but this time u are so frightning, the serve i think u are goin to win ur 11th grandslam for sure i'll keep praying for u n god bless u & d doubles i wish u win it again. mcwaaaa!!!
you are the best tennis player ever you have a lt of potential and integrity i admire you for all your hardwork and success love always, Tiara Taylor
Serena, i love Venus, but you are the best. I believe this is the year that you will win your third Wimbledon. Just keep you old game face on and you will be fine. Make sure that you kick Azaranka's %%%.. She is really tough. She reminds me of Steffi Graf. If you have that mean look in your face, she will respect your game. You will be playing next week. Anyway, i believe that you can win a total of 17 Grand Slams. You can do it! :-)
Though, I did not watch your match today, trust you were professional as ever to come out tops. Looking for to your lifting the trophy in the final? Where does this leave Venus. Am sure you wouldn't mind. Wishing all the successes. Regards
Hi my darling! I don't know nothing about Tenis, but I love you. I think you and your sister are the only two players that represent United states strongly in this sport. Lord Bless You and your family. A strong hug and kiss. Leandro Natel
Hi Serena what a great way to stay in touch with your fans. I just want to say I love to watch you and your sister play. The both are you are so powerful and such a blessing to so many others. I pray you and Venus make it to the top and kick butt. I will be watching. Stay focus and we will pray for all the haters. WILLIAMS RULE THE TENNIS COURT. Give a shout out to your mom and dad, sister's. Love ya Lenora Grayson
Ride on Babe! It's your game. CONGRATS my idol!
congrat serena,,for the fantastic beat down..you look so great i always enjoy watching you playing,,just one thing serena don t rush,take your time,you can do it ..you are the champion.stay focus,,and be ready for monday.i love you serena.
I've been your numder one fan from day one.I hope to see you and Venus in the final.I say a prayer for both of you each day you step out on the court.Keep up the good work ,next game just take your time and stay in control.I know you can because after you and Venus are out then it becomes boring.Good luck and God's riches blessings.
Oh Serena it is quite a great time and your wonderful tennis keeps us happy and i am proud of you and your game.You and your sister can do it again.You are a talented gifted tennis player and I am very glad to be your fan.I will be cheering for you tomorrow.God will give you strength.Good luck
good luck on wimbledom, love you
Sister Williams - I too am a life long jock. By that I mean I love to play sports. I love to watch your games and love your intensity on the court. The other players know that with you, you are never out of the game. Although most of the time they are behind when they play you. Enjoy the ride. You and Serena are great examples to all and live respectfully and don't go overboard although your th best family dou the game has ever seen. You represent yourselves both on and off the court in a fine manner. I love you as if you were my fleshly sisters. Keep doing well and never let it get to your heads. I've watched you play before you hit the ig time and knew the drive in you two would get there. Enjoy the ride. Your loving bros in the faith
I feel it,Oh yea! iam so happy you did it. The balls kept flying high(er) sweet YOU!
hi serena, congrats for this 4th round victory. You did so well, keep up the good work. Make sure you don't allow anxiety set, the crown is yours. Your fans are behind you
hi serena, congrats for this 4th round victory. You did so well, keep up the good work. Make sure you don't allow anxiety set, the crown is yours. Your fans are behind you