Serena Williams in action during her third round match against Russia's Anastasia Potapova in Melbourne February 12, 2021. ― Reuters picMELBOURNE, Feb 12 ― As news broke today that Melbourne would head into a snap lockdown to contain an outbreak of Covid-19, Serena Williams was already on court at the Australian Open playing potentially her last match in front of crowds at the tournament.
Williams completed a 7-6 6-2 win in the sunshine at Rod Laver Arena then gushed about her daughter Olympia learning tennis in the on-court interview, drawing cheers from fans. “It's rough. It's going to be a rough few days for I think everyone. But we'll hopefully get through it.” Barring the home hero and world number one Ash Barty, Williams is arguably the hottest ticket in the women's draw at Melbourne Park, where she has won seven titles.