Looking at the Swiatek-Alexandrova battle which Swiatek somehow managed to eek out despite looking the worse player at times, you do have to feel for Alexandrova who otherwise played at a high level but fell just short.
What other matches come to mind that fit that bill? Preferably matches that don't involve complete collapses, or matches where an underdog seemingly outperforms themselves and nearly gets the upset. A tight match decided by a single break, close games or tiebreak.
Serena Williams vs Zheng Jie (Wimbledon 2012, R3) comes to mind.
Serena won in a three set battle ending 6-7(5) 6-2 9-7 and looked so uncomfortable in baseline exchanges against a very quick and feisty Zheng. Without her serve keeping Zheng at bay, the tournament could have ended up differently (Serena would win the title, and following this, the Olympics in style - a tournament that would reignite her dominance after having had a 2 year major title drought).
Full match below:
What other matches come to mind that fit that bill? Preferably matches that don't involve complete collapses, or matches where an underdog seemingly outperforms themselves and nearly gets the upset. A tight match decided by a single break, close games or tiebreak.
Serena Williams vs Zheng Jie (Wimbledon 2012, R3) comes to mind.
Serena won in a three set battle ending 6-7(5) 6-2 9-7 and looked so uncomfortable in baseline exchanges against a very quick and feisty Zheng. Without her serve keeping Zheng at bay, the tournament could have ended up differently (Serena would win the title, and following this, the Olympics in style - a tournament that would reignite her dominance after having had a 2 year major title drought).
Full match below:
