The 2015 French Open Thriller: Serena vs. Timea Bacsinszky in a Test of Willpower
Serena Williams’ pursuit of Grand Slam history in 2015 was filled with incredible highs, but also moments that tested her to her absolute limits. One such moment came during the semi-finals of the French Open, where she faced the unseeded Swiss Timea Bacsinszky. This wasn’t just a tennis match; it was a grueling “Test of Willpower” where Serena battled not only a determined opponent but also a severe illness.
Leading into the match, rumors of Serena feeling unwell had circulated, but her performance in the earlier rounds had masked the extent of her struggles. Against Bacsinszky, however, it became painfully evident. Serena looked visibly distressed, coughing, struggling with her movement, and appearing exhausted in the sweltering Parisian heat. She lost the first set and went a break down in the second, seemingly on the brink of collapse.
But this was Serena Williams. Drawing upon a legendary reservoir of mental toughness, she refused to yield. Between points, she would appear on the verge of tears, yet when the ball was in play, she found a way to unleash her power, forcing Bacsinszky to dig deep. What unfolded was a remarkable transformation. From a position of despair, Serena somehow reeled off ten consecutive games, ultimately winning 4-6, 6-3, 6-0.
Her post-match revelation confirmed the severity of her illness – she admitted to battling a flu that made her feel “terrible” and “collapsed” after walking off court. This victory wasn’t about flawless tennis; it was about an indomitable spirit. She fought through sheer pain and pressure to reach the final, where she eventually claimed her 20th major title. The 2015 French Open semi-final against Bacsinszky stands as a testament to Serena’s unparalleled willpower, a thrilling reminder that her greatest weapon often resided in her unwavering refusal to lose.
