Making a late start did nothing to dim Williams’s sparkling career record in the first round of Grand Slams, which improved to 77-1 with the win over Begu. Her lone loss in the opening round of a Grand Slam came nine years ago in the first round of the French Open against Virginie Razzano. She had won only two of her previous 14 Grand Slam matches against top-20 opponents coming into the match with Williams. After Williams clipped the net with her return, Begu was unable to take control of the rally, and ultimately lost it on a backhand unforced error into the net caused by slow footwork. After that escape, Williams asserted herself, stepping forward to take a swinging volley out of the air to punish the soft return Begu had hit off a 77 m.p.h.

Source: New York Times June 01, 2021 00:45 UTC