Serena Williams’ hopes of a Grand Slam were in serious trouble Friday night at the U.S. Open.
Williams struggled with consistency and accuracy in the first set, as she hit 14 unforced errors and three double faults. She ended up losing the set 6-3 to fellow American Bethanie Mattek-Sands. Williams still had her chances with seven break points, but she only managed to convert one. Mattek-Sands, meanwhile, converted on both of her chances.
That meant Williams needed to win the final two sets to keep her shot at a Grand Slam alive.
Never count out Williams, though. She limited her unforced errors for the rest of the match and was much better with her serve. She also utilized her strength to win the final two sets 7-5, 6-0.
There was an intense moment during her comeback when she hit a winner and fell into a split as she celebrated.
Waiting for Williams in the fourth round is another American, Madison Keys. But even if Williams falls behind early in that match, don’t count her out.
