Hobbling Serena shines in Wimbledon gloom
Wednesday, 4 July 2007
LONDON, July 3 (AFP): Serena Williams clinched a famous, injury-hit Wimbledon triumph to lift the rain-sodden All England Club gloom Monday as women's tennis unveiled its latest teenage star.
Serena, the 2002 and 2003 champion, overcame crippling pain and a tearful Centre Court collapse to beat Slovakian 10th seed Daniela Hantuchova 6-2, 6-7 (2/7), 6-2 and book a quarter- final with top seed Justine Henin.
Elder sister Venus also moved on, making sure of a fourth round place while 16-year-old Austrian Tamira Paszek also made the last 16 on her debut Wimbledon appearance.
Despite the drama, just over three hours of play was possible as torrential rain, which has plagued the 2007 tournament, returned to cause succession of lengthy and frustrating delays.
Only three women's fourth round ties have been completed leaving five to be played Tuesday, traditionally the quarter- finals day.
Serena had cruised through the first set on a damp, cold day 6-2, but with the second set at 5-5 she fell to the ground clutching her left calf.
Serena, the 2002 and 2003 champion, overcame crippling pain and a tearful Centre Court collapse to beat Slovakian 10th seed Daniela Hantuchova 6-2, 6-7 (2/7), 6-2 and book a quarter- final with top seed Justine Henin.
Elder sister Venus also moved on, making sure of a fourth round place while 16-year-old Austrian Tamira Paszek also made the last 16 on her debut Wimbledon appearance.
Despite the drama, just over three hours of play was possible as torrential rain, which has plagued the 2007 tournament, returned to cause succession of lengthy and frustrating delays.
Only three women's fourth round ties have been completed leaving five to be played Tuesday, traditionally the quarter- finals day.
Serena had cruised through the first set on a damp, cold day 6-2, but with the second set at 5-5 she fell to the ground clutching her left calf.