Serena And Draper Shock US Open, Murray Charges On
US Open
September 1, 2022
Serena Williams gave the tennis world one more extraordinary surprise as she beat the world number two just a few weeks short of her 41st birthday.
And young Brit Jack Draper, half Serena’s age, evoked memories of Emma Raducanu’s unforeseen heroics at the US Open last year when he defeated Canadian superstar Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Meanwhile Andy Murray not only battled back to win in four sets, he truly believes he can go deep at the scene of his first Grand Slam triumph.
Serena might have to reconsider retirement at this rate and come to Wimbledon 2023 after all!
You can bet Jack Draper and the inspirational Murray will be going for glory at the All England Club next summer.
But for now let’s just enjoy every moment of what Serena assures us will be her final tournament bow.
The fun is lasting longer than any of us realistically anticipated.
You’re not supposed to be able to go toe to toe with one of the very best players in the world, let alone beat her.
But that’s exactly what Williams did to Anett Kontaveit and won a dramatic marathon 7-6 (7-4), 2-6, 6-2.
‘I have nothing to prove and nothing to lose,’ Serena told the crowd after her stunning victory. ‘This is the first time I haven’t had an X on my back since 1999 and I can play freely.’
And that tells you everything you need to know about the huge importance of psychology in tennis.
Maybe Wimbledon 2023 will tempt Serena out of retirement, now that she is finally loving tennis again!
For years, Serena allowed the weight of an elusive final, record-equalling slam title to weigh impossibly on her shoulders.
Now who knows? She could beat Ajla Tomljanovic next – and even go all the way to equal Margaret Court’s 24 majors, a tally notched in a different and far less demanding era.
Whatever happens, this is a wonderful way to round off a uniquely brilliant career.
Meanwhile Andy Murray is also talking super-positively after he bounced back to beat American youngster Emilio Nava 5-7, 6-3, 6-1, 6-0.
Like Serena, he savoured the rare joy of another big-stage victory and clearly wants more.
Not only that, Andy doesn’t see why it shouldn’t happen for him – even though Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini is next up..
‘Physically this is the best I’ve felt in the last few years,’ said Murray, the two-time Wimbledon winner. ‘My movement is by far the best it’s been for a long time.
‘I’m getting closer to where I want to be and hopefully I can have a deep run here.’
That’s also fantastic news for Wimbledon 2023 and the fans who want to see Andy Murray on the title charge yet again.
And who’s to say British youngster Jack Draper can’t make a massive impact on Wimbledon 2023 as well?
The 20-year-old was in sparkling form and never allowed his serve to be broken as he cruised through with a powerful 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win against an error-haunted Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Draper seemed to be trying to suppress his emotions as he thanked the crowd and prepared to face Karen Khachanov. Could he pull off another shock?
We’re looking forward to the next round of dramatic action. And we’re already counting down the weeks until Wimbledon 2023. Hope you can join us in England next summer!