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‘Can’t Use These Racquets’ – When Serena Williams Got Knocked Out in a Tennis Match Against an Unexpected Opponent in New York

Published 09/13/2022, 3:50 PM EDT

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Serena Williams is regarded as one of the greatest tennis players due to her tenacity and ruthlessness against all opponents. But a renowned broadcaster once challenged her to a game of tennis with him.

It was Piers Morgan, the well-known British broadcaster who challenged the legendary American. He asked the 23-time Grand Slam champion for a game of tennis at a private club inside the bowels of New York’s Grand Central Station.

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Piers Morgan once challenged Serena Williams

The British broadcaster Morgan once challenged the American tennis legend, Serena Williams, to play a game of tennis game against him with a wooden racquet. He stated that Serena wasn’t happy to play with small wooden racquets as she had never used them before. It was those types of racquets that Billie Jean King used to have in the 70s.

Morgan further asked Williams not to make excuses and play with that wooden racquet. He said, “No excuses. If it was good enough for Billie Jean, it’s good enough for you, young lady.”

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Piers Morgan was in great form that day as he stated that even Williams was surprised to see him play that well. He said,I suddenly discovered some form, banging a couple of serves that caused a startled Ms Williams to exclaim (on camera)”

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Serena was still blaming the racquets as Morgan stated that Williams squealed, “I can’t use these racquets!” He added, There was something pitiful about seeing a four-times Wimbledon singles champion blaming her tools”

Morgan also stated that Serena became more serious about the game as she knew it was broadcasted. He said, “Serena began to take it ever more seriously, suddenly aware that our exchanges would be broadcast to 300 million viewers in over 180 countries – and it wasn’t quite the walkover she’d expected. Her grunts got louder, her shots harder.”

The British broadcaster went on to explain that he defeated Serena as she missed the ball at the last point of the game. He also stated that he consoled her after the defeat. Morgan said, “Don’t get down, You’re still a good player.”

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Serena’s last dance on a tennis court

The American tennis legend, Serena Williams, performed brilliantly in the first two rounds of the US Open, defeating Danka Kovinić and the former World No.2, Anett Kontaveit. However, Ajla Tomljanovic knocked her out of the tournament in the third round. Despite her best efforts on the court, she was unable to defeat the Australian tennis player.

USA Today via Reuters

It’s expected that it was her final dance on the tennis court before retiring. The American tennis legend was overcome with emotion as she received a standing ovation from the audience. Many athletes and celebrities, including Michelle Obama, LeBron James, and Tiger Woods, paid tribute to the 23-time Grand Slam champion.

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Written by:

Anurag Gusain

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Anurag Gusain is a Tennis Author at EssentiallySports. He has completed his Bachelor’s degree in English from Delhi College of Arts and Commerce, Delhi University. Being a huge tennis fan, he enjoys watching superstar Rafael Nadal play.
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Edited by:

Tony Thomas