Serena Williams survives Bethanie Mattek-Sands' upset bid at U.S. Open
No. 1 seed Serena Williams defeated Bethanie Mattek-Sands 3–6, 7–5, 6–0 in the third round of the 2015 U.S. Open on Friday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Williams dropped the first set 6–3 to compatriot Mattek-Sands. She has now gone on to win 12 of 13 matches after dropping the first set to an opponent in major tournaments.
The last time Williams won after losing the first set to win a match at the U.S. Open was in the first round of the 2001 tournament against Germany's Anca Barna (4–6, 6–1, 6–2).
“[Mattek-Sand]’s a great player,” Williams told ESPN’s Pam Shriver after the match. “She’s fought through so many difficult injuries. I admire her for all that she’s been through. She’s always so positive. It was a really good match for her today as well.”
Williams will play Madison Keys in the round of 16.
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Williams has won the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon this year. If she wins the U.S. Open, she'll become the first player to win the calendar Grand Slam since Steffi Graf in 1988.
Williams is also one Grand Slam title behind Graf for first all-time in the professional era.
- Christopher Chavez
