Why is the WTA responsible for her collapse? She had this match won 4 different ways. She only needed to execute one winning point. You can't blame it on a FF. That may have affected the 5-2 game, but she had 3 other MP's after that. Her failure to call the trainer at 5-2 or even 5-4 is a pride thing. She doesn't like calling the trainer and she didn't think she needed it (but yet she can barely push off to serve)
. I also think looming in the back of her mind is that she would have to face Naomi the next day w/ an injured foot and she already has a losing record against her.
She doesn't have that killer instinct anymore (be it age, motherhood or trying not have a meltdown). Even w/o a serve, a hobbled Serena of old would have found a way to win one of those 4 MP's, especially on a return game. It's as if she expects these players to give her the match instead of her earning it. Really disappointing to see a legendary aggressive player retreat into a shell when the match gets tight. She didn't come to net during any of those crucial points. Chose to stay back, rally and make errors.
I don't know if she'll get 24 now. The more losses she takes, the more belief the locker room has. She will face stern tests from all of the top players at latter stages of slams.