JACKI LYDEN, host:
Tennis player Serena Williams silenced her critics yesterday with a decisive win in the Australian Open. Williams missed most of last season due to a knee injury. She came into the open ranked only 81st and she blew away Russia's Maria Sharapova, the reigning U.S. Open champion, in just a little over an hour.
Our sports commentator, Tandelaya Wilder, joins us now to talk about Serena's win. Hello, Tandelaya.
TANDELAYA WILDER: Hi, Jacki. How are you?
LYDEN: Good. So no one really thought that Serena Williams had a chance at the Australian Open. What have the critics been saying?
WILDER: Well, there've been a lot of nay sayers. I mean she's been dealing with critics all year who have made some really nasty comments about her fitness and whether she's dedicated or not. They've spoken about her acting pursuits and her fashion company. And the reality of the situation is Serena has had quite a few injuries, but guess what. With this win, she is back.
LYDEN: By all accounts, Tandelaya, this was an incredible and strong and swift performance. Could you tell us just a little bit about it?
WILDER: If you didn't know anything about tennis and you watched this match, you'd be hard pressed to believe that Sharapova was the number one player in the world.
I mean, Serena Williams really made mince meat out of Sharapova's game. And she did it by playing like the Serena we've seen in the past: completely dominating. She had a great game plan and she executed it flawlessly. There were no long rallies. She ended the points quickly with devastating winners and she just stayed focused.
LYDEN: How is she handling this? Is this the same Serena Williams or has maturity become part of the equation?
WILDER: Well, definitely maturity, but you know, she's gone through a rough patch. I mean, with the death of her sister, Yetunde, in 2003. And of course, she dedicated this win to her.
I mean, she's dealt with that. She's also dealt with her injuries and she has matured as a player and I think she's ready to prove that she's going to be around for a lot longer than people thought she would be.
LYDEN: Tandelaya Wilder is the host and founder of the Internet sports show, She Got Game. Thanks very much, Tandelaya.
WILDER: Thank you, Jacki.
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