Serena Williams: ‘I really need to play matches like that to get to my goals’

WTA Tour
Serena Williams in action

It was far from her best performance, but Serena Williams is “just glad” to still be alive in the ASB Classic after she was given a scare by Christine McHale.

After brushing aside Camila Giorgi in the opening round, Williams made a stuttering start against her fellow American as she lost the first set.

However, she bounced back to win 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 in two hours and secure her place in the quarter-final.

McHale broke the 23-time Grand Slam winner’s serve three times in the opening set, but Williams then hit back with two breaks in the second set and three in the decider.

“I really need to play matches like that to get to my goals,” the former world No 1 said.

“Tournament time is super-important, match time is good. After losing that first set I’m just glad to be still in the event.”

Williams will face Laura Siegemund for a place in the semi-final after the German beat 15-year-old Coco Gauff 5-7, 6-2, 6-3.

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