Serena Williams was bounced in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open on Wednesday by 19-year-old Sloane Stephens 3-6, 7-5, 6-4. The defeat marked the first time Serena lost to an American player who was younger than her. While it would be premature to call this a “changing of the guard” in women’s tennis, it is a sign of things to come.
Williams, who was already battling an ankle injury suffered during her first-round match, took a medical timeout during the second set to address back spasms. She went on to lose the set and match, but she says she did not consider quitting because of the injury.
Stephens clearly frustrated Williams, because Serena smashed her racquet in anger during the third set.
Here is what the racquet looked like after being destroyed:
We don’t post this to criticize Serena; even the best players have their moments of frustration and end up busting a racquet or two. This just shows how much Stephens frustrated Williams, which is not something you see often.
Stephens showed off her great personality after the win. She was stunned, delighted, and was already checking her phone for text messages moments after her victory. The teenager even said in an interview after the match that she was hoping the shocking win would increase her Twitter following.
