Fourth-seeded Venus Williams was already in trouble, in the middle of a second round battle with Sandra Zahlavova at Australian Open 2011. Williams fought back in the first set, breaking Zahlavova’s serve to force a tiebreaker. The two traded points back-and-forth, but with Zahlavova up 7-6, a wild 17 shot rally ended with Williams screaming in pain and Zahlavova winning the set 7-6 (8-6).
Injured Venus Williams Rallies At Australian Open 2011 To Beat Sandra Zahlavova
On a hard backhand, Williams came up hobbled, holding her side and groin after Zahlavova won the set. Replays appeared to show Williams torquing her body hard in an attempt to get around on a backhand during the rally, letting out a blood-curdling scream as her body twisted.
After a medical break that saw Williams head to the locker room, she returned with the upper portion of her right leg heavily wrapped and bandaged.
Surprisingly, Williams cruised to a 6-0 second set win as Zahlavova failed to force her to test the injured groin.
In the third set, Williams broke serve early, carrying the advantage throughout the set as Zahlavova was unable to get a break point of her own before Williams put away the match in the 10th game of the third set with an ace.
Williams took home the win in three sets and advanced to the third round despite falling into an early hole and suffering what looked to be a serious injury (later reported to be a strained hip flexor), 6-7, 6-0, 6-4.
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