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Serena Williams leaves Rod Laver Arena. (Photo by Matt King / Getty Images)
Serena Williams broke down in tears and interrupted her post-match press conference after another failed attempt to equal Margaret Court’s Grand Slam record, calling her defeat to Naomi osaka “a big mistake day”.
The American veteran’s quest to reach a ninth Australian Open final and face Court’s 24 major singles titles ended in a 6-3, 6-4 semi-final by the third-seeded Japanese.
The 39-year-old Williams broke early for a 2-0 lead before Osaka staggered five games in a row to leave her in shock.
“The difference today was the mistakes. I made a lot of mistakes,” said the 23-time Grand Slam champion.
“Honestly, they were opportunities where I could have won. I could have been up 5-0. It was a big mistake day for me.”
Pressed on what led her to make so many mistakes, tears began to flow as she told reporters, “I don’t know. I’m done,” before leaving.
In a power play clash, it was Osaka who had the upper hand, hitting 20 winners to Williams’ 12, while making three fewer unforced errors on 21.
Williams said he had been hitting well the entire tournament and had no explanation for the loss other than “too many mistakes, easy mistakes.”
Osaka’s victory still left her stranded at 23 Grand Slam crowns, one less than Court’s tally, and her last major title came in Melbourne four years ago when she was pregnant.
Williams has lost four Slam finals since then and as he walked off the court he put his hand to his heart, almost as if saying goodbye.
When asked about it afterward, he suggested the gesture was more about acknowledging the crowd, who were allowed to return to the Rod Laver Arena after a quick five-day lockdown and gave the American an enthusiastic farewell.
“I don’t know. If I ever said goodbye, I wouldn’t tell anyone,” he said.
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But Williams later posted a heartfelt message for her Australian fans on Instagram.
“Today was not the ideal result or performance, but it happens … I feel very honored to be able to play in front of all of you.” she said.
“Your support – your applause, I just wish I had done better today. I am forever in debt and grateful to each and every one of you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I adore you.
Osaka, who is 16 years younger than Williams and grew up watching her, said she was honored to be on the same court.
“I mean, it definitely means a lot. I think of course every time I play it, I feel like it’s something I’ll definitely remember a lot,” she said, adding that talking about American retirement made her “sad.” “.
“I want him to play forever,” he said. “That is the little boy in me.”
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