Serena Williams Kneels Down in Even Year

Serena Williams of the United States surrendered to her “odd and even” jinx at Australian Open, this year’s first Grand Slam tennis tournament.

In odd years, she has demonstrated superb performance. By contrast, ill-luck struck her in even years. This year is not an exception.

The seventh-ranked Serena Williams, who suffered a blister on her right big toe and after-effects of an injury, was ousted 6-3, 6-4 by Women’s number four seed Jelena Jankovic of Serbia in quarter-finals of Australian Open held in Melbourne, Australia, spending 1 hour 30 minutes on court.

Williams, who won the Australian Open singles title in 2003, 2005, and 2007, clinched a remarkable comeback when she grabbed her eighth Grand Slam title last year after having ranked No. 81.

In 2002 and 2004, however, she missed the tournament due to injury.

Following a defeat in the third round in 2006, she once again suffered a humiliating failure to advance to semi-finals let alone defending her title.

According to New York Times, Williams served with a lack of confidence, made silly mistakes while flopping along the court. She broke down after making 36 unforced errors.

After clinching an easier–than-expected win, with a record of 2-2 against Williams, Jankovic reached semifinals for the first time and will play with the winner of the match between Justine Henin of Belgium and Maria Sharapova of Russia.

Meanwhile, left-hand genius Rafael Nadal opened the men’s quarterfinals with a 7-5, 6-3, 6-1 rout of 26th ranking Jarkko Nieminen of Finland. Nadal, who is good at in clay courts, boasted his upgraded abilities, reaching semifinals in the hard court for the first time.

kjs0123@donga.com