Serena Williams said her struggle to beat Sara Errani in the Fed Cup had been a real “eye-opener” as the clay-court season gets into full swing.
The world No1 Williams won 4-6, 7-6, 6-3 on Sunday against the dogged Italian to take her career record over her to 8-0 but the American was not impressed.
USA were beaten 3-2 on Sunday after Williams and Alison Riske were thrashed 6-0, 6-3 in the doubles rubber by Errani and Flavia Pennetta, meaning they were relegated to World Group II.
“Today has been a big eye-opener,” Williams said.