Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Williams survives scare against 18-year-old qualifier - highlights & report

Written by 
Published in Tennis
Thursday, 04 July 2019 10:45

Seven-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams recovered from being a set down to beat teenage qualifier Kaja Juvan and reach the third round.

Williams was surprised by the 18-year-old world number 133 from Slovenia, who twice broke serve to win the first set.

The 11th seed, 37, responded to take control in the second and eventually closed out the decider for a 2-6 6-2 6-4 victory in one hour 36 minutes.

"She played well and I started out a little slow," said the American.

"I like the pressure. I would rather be in this position than any other and I play best when I am down sometimes. I am a fighter."

Williams, who last won Wimbledon in 2016, will face German 18th seed Julia Gorges in the third round.

She is looking to equal Australian Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles but has struggled with a knee injury this year.

The American saw off Italy's Giulia Gatto-Monticone in straight sets in the opening round but was given a sterner test by a player who was not born when she claimed the first of her 23 major titles at the US Open in 1999.

Williams lost her opening service game of the match and slipped 0-3 behind, before sending a smashed overhead volley into the net on set point as Juvan clinched the opener in 27 minutes.

Williams recovered to dominate the second set as her opponent, who beat Czech Kristyna Pliskova to reach the second round of a Slam for the first time, appeared to tire.

After twice breaking in the final set, Williams looked to be in full control and served for the match at 5-2 - only for the resilient Juvan to respond with a break of her own.

But the Slovenian was unable to stop an ace on match point and Williams sealed her progression.

Williams will now begin her mixed doubles campaign alongside former British number one Andy Murray on Friday.

"I am excited to play with a British icon like Andy," she said.

"It's going to be incredibly amazing and I feel honoured to share the court with him. Maybe I can learn a thing or two."

Read 556 times

Soccer

Ex-Croatia midfielder dies in car crash aged 39

Ex-Croatia midfielder dies in car crash aged 39

EmailPrintFormer Croatia midfielder Nikola Pokrivac died in a car crash in Karlovac in central Croat...

Crew expect record crowd for Messi in Cleveland

Crew expect record crowd for Messi in Cleveland

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLionel Messi has played in his share of unique environments as one...

LAFC boss Cherundolo to step down at end of '25

LAFC boss Cherundolo to step down at end of '25

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo will step down from his role at th...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Mavs proud as 'tumultuous' year ends in play-in

Mavs proud as 'tumultuous' year ends in play-in

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Anthony Davis limped to the Dallas Mavericks' ben...

Ja braves 'difficult' injury, leads Grizz into playoffs

Ja braves 'difficult' injury, leads Grizz into playoffs

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Ja Morant shrugged off a sprained right ankle to...

Baseball

Royals' Erceg leaves vs. Tigers after hit to foot

Royals' Erceg leaves vs. Tigers after hit to foot

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsDETROIT -- Kansas City Royals pitcher Lucas Erceg was helped off th...

First-time father-to-be Ohtani away from Dodgers

First-time father-to-be Ohtani away from Dodgers

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsARLINGTON, Texas -- Shohei Ohtani is away from the Los Angeles Dodg...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated