Serena Williams has revealed that she was "proud" of Vitalia Diatchenko for taking part in their first-round clash at the US Open.
Diatchenko struggled with an ankle injury throughout the match before eventually withdrawing two games into the second set, but Williams has praised the Russian for attempting to compete on the Arthur Ashe Stadium Court.
The 33-year-old is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "I told her I was proud of her for coming out and making this effort, knowing she was injured. That's a great effort."
Diatchenko won just five points during the match, which lasted 30 minutes.
Written by
Darren Plant
Darren Plant
