Williams set for Sabalenka clash on Sunday

An uncharacteristic start from Serena Williams would have been her undoing at the Australian Open today.

Williams had 31 unforced errors before she eventually wore down tough Russian opponent Anastasia Potapova 7-6 (7/5), 6-2 in 97 minutes.

The 10th seed, who is chasing Margaret Court’s record 24 Grand Slam tally, was out-of-sorts in that first set.

Then Potapova, only 19, had a breakdown herself trying to serve out the first set as she hit five double faults.

Williams refocused, lifted the intensity, won a tiebreak and then won the deciding set in quick time.

Unaware of new lockdown rules, fans started to leave the arena before the game had ended – some to get flights interstate.

“I didn‘t know at all until the match was over. I think it’s good that I didn’t know,” she said.

“It’s rough. It’s going to be a rough few days for I think everyone. But we’ll hopefully get through it.”

Williams will play Aryna Sabalenka who beat American Ann Li 6-3, 6-1, on Sunday.