Probably the FO loss to Kuznetsova. Sveta was well on her way to winning in straights but shit the bed just like she had done earlier in Australia. But then she recovered. She matched Serena's hitting and speed the whole match and stole it right at the end. Even still, you just knew Serena would go on to win WImbledon because she really was playing well.
Clijsters in 09 is probably second. Such great hitting and athleticism from both but obviously nobody remembers it for the quality.
The match against Sveta was tough, but I'm leaning towards 2010 due to Serena having match point. I don't remember any matches before 2007 so I can't really comment.
2009 USO is following. Kim was the better player on the day, but they have had matches where Serena was able to come back. I didn't get the sense that she would've though with how well Kim was playing. Still, it is a shame the match ended as it did.
2009 FO without question, one of the few matches I dont mind watching where Serena lost, because she played well that match, just Kuzzy was a bit better that day.
Lmao at people actually saying 2009 UO as if Serena the entire match wasn't tight, showing signs of nerves and hitting uncharacteristic errors throughout the match. Sit down.
I've never seen the one against Hingis, but I read Serena had a leg or thigh injury that match.
These other options Serena did not play well in the least. Fought well? sure. Played well? nah.
2015 was such a strong year for Serena in the majors. 3 slams in a row and a SF! When was the last time a WTA player won 3 in a year or 4 in a row? I think it may have been Serena again in 2002 but I'm not sure of the exact year.
Edit: It was Serena in 2002 for 3 in a year, and then before that was Hingis in 1997.
Thats tough because she could have won a lot of those majors. She might have won the French that she lost round 1 to razzano if she closed it.
I would say Lisicki, because that was an easy major for her except as an underdog in early to mid rounds, Lisicki can play very high level
Also the FO's vs Stosur and Sveta