Former World No. 1 Chris Evert got nostalgic when remembering Serena Williams’ legendary Roland Garros 2015 run, where she fought through a severe illness to beat Timea Bacsinszky 4-6, 6-3, 6-0 in the semifinals. Her recollection comes at a time when Matteo Arnaldi’s withdrawal from the semifinals due to a similar illness has created a lot of controversy.
On Friday, Arnaldi was scheduled to face Flavio Cobolli in Paris for a shot at the final, but withdrew at the last minute citing a viral illness. The Italian’s decision has since garnered a lot of flak from the tennis world, including the likes of Andre Agassi. The American, for instance, could not believe anyone would choose to not even try playing in the semifinals of a Grand Slam.
Fans shared a similar sentiment, with one Serena Williams fan recalling how the 23-time Grand Slam champion did the opposite when she faced a similar situation herself. After the win, Williams herself was in disbelief at the kind of resilience she displayed.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been this sick,” Williams said. “I didn’t expect to win that, I really didn’t. I thought, ‘If I’m going to lose, I’m going to go for winners. The next thing I know it was a set all and I thought, ‘I really don’t feel like playing a third set.’ I was so tired. I just fought for every point and here I am.”
As videos of the match started doing the rounds on social media, Chris Evert recollected watching it from the commentary booth, and shared her admiration for Serena Williams once again.
“I remember calling that match. Serena was really sick. It was amazing she got through it. She toughed it out!” said Evert.
Interestingly enough, Williams is back on the WTA Tour again, having just confirmed her comeback at the Queen’s Club next week.
Victoria Mboko Reveals How She Got Handpicked by Serena Williams for Her Upcoming Doubles Comeback
Serena Williams is all set to return and will partner with Qorld No. 9 Victoria Mboko at the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club in West Kensington, London. Mboko recently revealed how she received a text message from the American legend that confirmed the news that the 19-year-old was just hoping to be true.
“She actually texted me while I was in a tournament in France and I remember seeing her text and It just said “Serena,” and I was like it could be anyone but I kinda figured that it was her who was asking to play doubles and I mean, how could I decline that,” said Mboko.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion took the court for her first practice session on grass and was seen intensely engaged throughout the session, getting ready for her first showdown after four years.
Read more:
Madison Keys Teases Anxious Men’s Players For Ruining the Locker Room Vibe With French Open Panic
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
