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New York — Top-ranked Serena Williams spent nearly an hour on the practice courts Wednesday after struggling through the second round of the US Open, working on her skills after 10 double faults and 34 unforced errors.

Williams, trying to complete the first calendar Grand Slam since Steffi Graf in 1988 and match Graf’s Open Era record of 22 career Slam singles crowns, was woeful at times in a 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 victory over 110th-ranked Dutch qualifier Kiki Bertens.

“I definitely feel more determined to do better than what I did,” Williams said. “I know I can play better. It definitely wasn’t my happiest of moments.

“I don’t think you should be happy with just winning. At least I’m not. Maybe other people can. Always looking to do better. If I don’t play well, I’m not going to be happy even if I won.”

Next in her path is fellow American Bethanie Mattek-Sands today. — AFP