Following two losses to Alize Cornet in key matches in 2014; Serena Williams hit her second round clash with the French Ace with determination and revenge in her eyes.
Cornet’s wins have not been about luck and Serena Williams losing the matches… it’s always been about Alize Cornet executing her game plan, maintaining her focus and continually attacking Serena’s weaknesses. Serena Williams understood that it was only by bringing her “A game” that she would be able to deliver a victory.
The first and only set was a tough fight from the baseline with both players trying to impose their game plan. Serena Williams was focused on striking the ball hard whilst finding the angle to open the court. It was also about taking her chances with brute power when they came. Dogged determination catapulted the 18-time Grand Slam Champion to a 3-1 lead but her two-time conqueror had started to settle mentally.
Cornet focused her shots towards Serena Williams back hand consistently hitting them to Serena’s shoulder height. The consistency and tenacity of this shot had an immediate impact as it gave Serena a harder shot physically to hit. Cornet was testing her strength, power and balance and it pulled her back into the match and level at 3-3.
The battle was set for a tough clash and Cornet would always have a chance of a third consecutive win vs Serena Williams if she kept it gritty and physical. Both rackets executed on their return games with Williams punishing Alize Cornet with power wherever possible to lead with a break advantage at 5-4.
At 4-5 the French Starlet became inspired with a half-court return & a majestic lob winner; Cornet had unnerved Serena Williams serving for the set! Alize won the break to level the match at 5-5 and was applying purposeful pressure! The storm was fast approaching for Serena Williams.
At 5-5 a mammoth game tested both rackets to the end of their physical and mental limits. Serena Williams was left doubled over on numerous rallies such was the physicality of their rallies and in what turned out to be an 11-minute game with numerous break points. The 18-time Grand Slam Champion punished the ball with a glorious smash to get the sixth consecutive break of the set and to lead 6-5! But it was Cornet who had done the physical damage.
Serena Williams called for the trainer at changeover and her temperature and blood pressure was taken whilst the trainer encouraged the reigning US Open Champion to drink more water. Serena Williams then decided to pull out of the tournament handing Alize Cornet a third consecutive win over Williams.
The Chinese crowd were left feeling disappointed as the match was shaping up to be battle royale on every level, but such is the physicality of the Cornet game. Cornet’s win showed that tennis is not only a game of ball striking; but a game were mental warfare, recovery and “what you do between games” matters.
Serena Williams is a great champion and perhaps the greatest that has ever played the game but Alize Cornet has come to understand the overall picture when playing against her. She understands that she needs to push all her buttons, and to counterpunch with power and at shoulder height on the backhand. This is a tough strike and big ask for anyone – even Serena Williams! Cornet can unleash a sustained attack here and still throw in curve balls like the drop shot and the lob.
Serena Williams left the court knowing that her health is not at its best and her opponents are starting to expose it. For Serena to move forward her on court game does not need much attention as it will always win titles; but to beat the “Cornets” of this world – she will need to improve her after-care, recovery and on-court routines between games. Serena Williams will leave Wuhan not concerned about her level of strike but looking how to feed her body and health to dominate the world once again.
Alize Cornet marches into the next round knowing her rise in the rankings will continue and her tenacious reputation garnering more stealth.
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