By Nicky Styris
Serena Williams is calling her 20th grand slam victory the most difficult of her career. The world number one battled an on-going flu to defeat Lucie Safarova in three sets, to claim her third French Open crown.
"Usually you get a cold, but when you get the flu your whole body aches," says Williams. "That's what I've been dealing with."
The only one being "dealt to" was her opponent Lucie Safarova, blown away 6-3 in the opening set.
But what started out as a stroll became a struggle. Errors mounted, first serves failed and the 13th seeded Czech seized the moment - and the tiebreak.
Trailing in the decider, Williams was not always dignified and officially warned, and not always conventional.
But the world number one was effective, breaking back before powering away to her third title on clay.
Williams thanked the crowd in French, posed in front of a Parisian landmark, and pocketed US$2 million.
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic will face Stan Wawrinka in tonight's men's final, after defeating Andy Murray in a thrilling five-set semi.
3 News
source: newshub archive
