It was the American’s earliest exit from the year’s first Grand Slam since her 2006 title defence was ended by Daniela Hantuchova. Doubts about her hopes of matching Margaret Court’s Grand Slam haul have resurfaced. Serena has recovered from her share of Grand Slam setbacks, but this one left an especially bitter taste. “She served well, I didn’t return like Serena,” said Serena, seeded eighth in Melbourne but who was the strong favourite. Margaret unsureCourt meanwhile said she was unsure whether Serena can surpass her record tally of 24 Grand Slam titles.

Source: The Telegraph January 24, 2020 20:15 UTC