World No. 115 Harmony Tan admitted she was scared after she drew Serena Williams in the Wimbledon first round. On Tuesday, 24-year-old Tan played her first Wimbledon main draw match and it was a memorable night for her at The All England Club.
In the Wimbledon first round, Han upset seven-time Wimbledon champion Williams 7-5 1-6 7-6 (7). At 5-4 in the third set, Williams had a chance to serve out for the match but failed to do so. In the third set tie-break, Han was 0-4 down before storming back to win the match.
“I’m very surprised today! When I saw the draw, I was really scared! It’s Serena Williams, she’s a legend. I was like, oh my God, how can I play? If I can win one game or two games, it [would be] really good for me!'” Tan admitted, per Tennis Majors.
“I’m very surprised today!
“When I saw the draw, I was really scared! It’s Serena Williams, she’s a legend. I was like, oh my God, how can I play? If I can win one game or two games, it [would be] really good for me!” — Tennis Majors (@Tennis_Majors) June 28, 2022
Tan on beating Williams
Tan is from the generation which grew up watching and idolizing Williams.
To beat Williams in your first Wimbledon match, on the Centre Court, is certainly one of the best things that could happen to a player. After surviving a three-hour marathong versus Williams, Han admitted everything felt like a dream and added she was pretty tired.
“I feel really tired now, but really happy,” Tan said afterward. “I play every ball like just, put some slice, some change, some variety on the game, and it works today. It’s a dream because, you know, I saw Serena on the TV when I was young.
My coach, [1998 Wimbledon runner-up] Nathalie Tauziat, played her 20 years ago. So, yeah, it’s a big generation. She’s a legend.” Tan faces next Sara Sorribes Tormo, who defeated Christina McHale in the Wimbledon second round.
Han and Sorribes Tormo will be going head-to-head for the second time when they meet at Wimbledon. Earlier this year in Monterrey, Sorribes Tormo beat Tan in straight sets.
