Williams won six of her Grand Slam singles titles – plus 30 WTA tournaments – before Austrian Tagger was born in February 2008.
Tagger’s coach, Francesca Schiavone – the Italian former world number four who won the 2010 French Open – is the same age as Williams and lost all eight meetings with the American during her playing career.
“When I saw the draw, I was super excited and a little nervous. I respect her a lot,” said Tagger, 53rd in the world.
“It’s funny that she was playing with my coach. I would love to play at that age, I want to congratulate her.”
Although the straight-set scoreline will embolden critics, Williams made Tagger – a rising talent who should have a bright future at the top – work hard.
However, the teenager proved to be far too good. The 2025 French Open women’s champion was superb on serve – losing just seven service points and facing no break points – while managing Williams’ pace and crushing groundstrokes on both wings.
Tagger broke his illustrious opponent’s serve twice – to lead 1-0 and 5-2 – in two almost identical sets.
At times, Williams was able to use her powerful serve to get out of trouble – fending off 12 of 16 break points – and the veteran’s characteristic competitive spirit never wavered.
But it was another example of him falling behind the rest of the tour.
Gn sports
