‘Just Serena’: Williams’ upset win at US Open keeps the legend advancing in final days of her storied career. (1:29)
Serena Williams’ first round lead at the US Open has been cut in half after a huge upset in the first round. (2:43)
Serena Williams’ first-round lead at the US Open has been cut to two sets after another huge upset. (2:30)
Serena Williams made a dramatic comeback to defend her Open Championship and extend her winning streak, but a run of five straight titles ended when Naomi Osaka beat her. It’s the latest chapter in the incredible story of a young woman who overcame adversity to reach the U.S. Open final.
It was a historic year for Williams at the Open, which she won in 2017 for the first time after 12 years of trying. The only thing that could have prevented her from winning the tournament was a meltdown in the third round when she lost a tiebreaker to 18-year-old Naomi Osaka.
But that doesn’t seem to have happened. Osaka won in five sets, putting her on a roll that included a runner-up finish at the Australian Open. This was the biggest upset in the Open in a long time, especially since all the other major upsets in the Open have all come in the women’s tournament.
Williams’ first-round lead had been a safe one of 61.
“This is a huge win,” said Williams. “This is huge for me and the Open Championship. I know how hard this tournament was for me. I remember when I lost to Osaka at the Australian Open, I came into the locker room crying.
“Obviously my focus has to be on Saturday because I need to be in my best condition to play well. But I’m happy with that first set. I just wanted to hold out a little bit longer.”
The biggest upset of the year was when Naomi Osaka beat Serena Williams to win the Australian
