Vitalia Diatchenko’s hobbled performance Monday night against Serena Williams — which ended when she retired in the second set with a foot injury — stole some energy from the opening night of the United States Open and provoked more debate about how award money is handled for injured players.
By the time Diatchenko began to serve in the second game of the match, it was clear that something was amiss. Unable to push off with her left leg, Diatchenko used only her upper body to serve, hitting halfheartedly and erratically. On return she was little better, barely able to move for most balls.