Unbelievable! 21-year old, 29th seeded Agnes Szavay, Hungary’s top player, crushed third seeded Venus Williams early on Day 6 at Stade Roland Garros. The sporty candidate for best-dressed did what Lucie Safarova failed to do, keeping her composure and pouncing on every opportunity to end the elder Williams sister’s clay court dream. In what appeared a mismatch, Agnes Szavay recorded a stunning 6-0, 6-4, eighty-one minute rout of the seven-time Grand Slam Champion.
Venus never got started, never got untracked and failed to mount one of her characteristic comebacks. Fans expected a rally, but the majority cheered Agnes’s total effort.
The first set, 6-0 drubbing took just 30 minutes. Agnes did not overpower Venus, she simply outpatienced her and made the most of her break opportunities. The pretty blonde captured 5 of her 10 break points, while Venus capitalized on 1 of her 2 chances.
In the second set, Venus scored a break and the gallery shifted uneasily suspecting the worst for Szavay. But, Agnes broke back to even the set at 4-4 and then held convincingly. The petite powerhouse offered a pronounced fist-pump with the hold at 5-4.
Venus could not match the Hungarian’s passion. She faltered badly in the final game, misplaying two critical shots. Szavay carried the play winning 64 total points to just 44 by her opponent. Agnes rarely goes to the net but managed to win 5 of 6 charges. Venus lost 7 of her 12 net plays.
Williams makes a living returning serve, but today Agnes had the answers. Venus could only win 35% of her returns while the Hungarian photographer’s dream won a surprising 54% of her return points.
Prior to Roland Garros, Szavay’s 2009 won-lost record stood at 11-11. Her career singles record is just 70-53 compared to Williams’ 516-125 match record and $22.7 million in earnings. On this day, it was two women playing to win. Szavay gained strength with the ease of her first set dominance and carried the play right at Williams.
The bouncy blonde’s forehand gained power as she tracked every ball. Williams began to gamble and could not out-hit her younger competitor. Agnes’s second serve was more effective than Williams as she averaged 143 KMH on her seconds and 160 KMH on her first serves.
Williams was gracious in defeat. She is a proud credit to the game. The shorter Szavay seemed to navigate the court with ease while Williams’s long strides left her lunging and watching passed balls.
The 29th seed’s victory opens up the lower half of the upper bracket. Analysts like Sharapova’s chances, but on this surface and with this monumental win, Agnes should not be overlooked. Ooo La La Agnes!
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