‘I’m Done’: Serena Williams Says As She Walks Out Of Press Conference In Tears After Semi-Final Defeat To Naomi Osaka
Serena Williams broke down in tears and abruptly ended her post-match press conference after her loss to Naomi Osaka in the semi-final of this year’s Australian Open.
The defeat brought to an end another bid to equal retired Australian tennis player, Margaret Court’s record of winning 24 Grand Slam women’s singles titles.
Williams blamed her 6-3 6-4 defeat by the 22-year-old Japanese on “a big error day”.
Read Also: Australian Open: Naomi Osaka Beat Serena Williams In Straight Sets To Reach Final
The 39-year-old broke early for a 2-0 lead before Osaka reeled off five straight games to leave her shellshocked.
Speaking in a press conference affer her defeat, the 23-time Grand Slam champion said;
The difference today was errors. I made so many errors. Honestly, it was opportunities where I could have won. I could have been up 5-0. It was a big error day for me.
Pressed on what caused her to make so many mistakes, tears began to flow as she told reporters: “I don’t know. I’m done,” before walking out.
Williams said she had been hitting well all tournament and had no explanation for the loss other than “too many mistakes there, easy mistakes”.
Osaka’s victory left her still stranded on 23 Grand Slam crowns, one short of Court’s tally, with her last major title coming in Melbourne, Australia four years ago when she was pregnant.
Williams has lost four Slam finals since and as she walked off court put her hand over her heart, almost as if saying farewell.
Asked about it afterwards, she suggested the gesture was more about acknowledging the crowd, who were allowed back into Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne after a five-day lockdown and gave the American a rousing send-off.
She said; “I don’t know. If I ever say farewell, I wouldn’t tell anyone”.
However, Williams later posted a heartfelt message to her Australian fans on Instagram, saying;
Today was not ideal outcome or performance but it happens … I am so honoured to be able to play in front of you all.
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.
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Osaka, who is 16 years younger than Williams and grew up watching her, said she was honoured to be on the same court.
She expressed;
I mean, it definitely means a lot. I think, of course, every time I play her, I feel like it’s something I’ll definitely remember a lot.
Adding that talk of the American retiring made her “sad”, Osaka noted;
“I want her to play forever. That’s the little kid in me.”
