Serena Williams walks out first by MISTAKE ahead of famous Aussie Open victory
SERENA WILLIAMS blundered at the start of her famous Aussie Open victory – by walking out when her opponent’s name was called!
The American sporting giant was heading through a tunnel which leads out to the Rod Laver Arena.
With her headphones on, the oblivious Williams didn’t hear the call of the announcer and headed straight to the court thinking it was her turn.
However no sooner had she emerged in to public arena, the announcer said: "Please welcome the world No1, Simona Halep..."
A sheepish Williams quickly turned on her heels and returned to the tunnel once she realised her error.
Then, the smiling and greening Romanian walked out to the acclaim of the crowd as expected.
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Thankfully for Williams, her luck improved throughout the match as she sent the world No.1 Halep crashing out of the fourth round 6-1 4-6 6-4.
Williams won the 2017 Australian Open tournament while being eight weeks pregnant and incredibly this was only her fourth competitive match since the US Open final meltdown last September.
In the quarter-finals, Williams will now face Czech No.7 seed Karolina Pliskova as she searches a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam.
While in one way it doesn't say much for the quality of the women's tour that Williams can play it part-time and still be competitive at the Grand Slams - but then on the other hand, there has never been an athlete quite like her before.
Williams, 37, said: "It was an intense match, but I love tennis and I love this court. It's cool to be back out.
"I needed to elevate my game. There is a reason why she is the number one player in the world. To stay out there, I had to play as I knew I could.
"I'm such a fighter, I never give up. It's something that is innate in me. I work hard for every point. It's a miracle I am here. I enjoy this. My job is to come out and play. It's a super pleasure."
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