World No 1 blasted herself for a performance 'verging on unprofessionalism' after she needed another three sets to get past compatriot Sloane Stephens in the fourth round of the French Open on Monday
Serena Williams during her singles match against Sloane Stephens in Paris on Monday
Paris: World No 1 Serena Williams blasted herself for a performance "verging on unprofessionalism" after she needed another three sets to get past compatriot Sloane Stephens in the fourth round of the French Open on Monday.
Serena Williams during her singles match against Sloane Stephens in Paris on Monday. Pic/Getty Images
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Williams beat the unseeded Stephens to reach the quarter-finals, but only after a two-hour encounter on Court Philippe Chatrier that finished 1-6, 7-5, 6-3.
"It's not how you start; I guess it's how you finish. That's kind of how I'm looking at it. "Obviously I'm disappointed. Usually I'm winning in straight sets, and I'm business on and off the court. Now I'm just winning, and that's a good thing too. There's always room for improvement," said the No 1 seed.
"I feel like I'm living on the edge but, you know, I've got to get off the edge. I dont like to take chances, but at the same time this is also helping me I guess, in terms of knowing that I can play a two-hour match. "But yeah, I don't really like to live like this."