Samantha Stosur earned rich praise from conqueror Serena Williams after pushing the world No.1 to the limit just a week after capitulating to her.
Less than two weeks out from the US Open, Stosur showed something much closer to the form that earned her that grand slam title in 2011 before succumbing 7-6 (9-7) 7-6 (9-7) to Williams in the second round of the Cincinnati WTA tournament on Wednesday.
The Australian got ahead in both tie-breakers and held two set points but Williams came up with the big plays when they counted most.
"She (Stosur) was extremely aggressive today," said Williams. "It was just a great match, to be honest.
"She made very few unforced errors. She just did everything really well. This is why she was able to win a grand slam."
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Stosur was delighted to rebound so strongly from the humiliating 6-0 6-2 drubbing she copped from Williams in less than an hour in Montreal last week.
"I actually followed through with all of the things I wanted to do last week," Stosur said.
"It was a huge improvement, and I'm really pleased with the way I played.
"I'm disappointed I had a couple of set points and didn't at least win that set to take it to a third. She came up with some really great stuff when it really counted."
Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova crashed out in another setback to her US Open preparations.
Ukrainian teenager Elena Svitolina toppled the third-seeded Czech 6-2 7-6 (7-2).
German Angelique Kerber, the sixth seed, advanced against Ekaterina Makarova 6-4 6-1 while Italian 13th seed Flavia Pennetta beat Taylor Townsend of the US 6-4 6-3 to set up a clash with Williams.
