Serena Williams, standing on the precipice of creating a history, has so far reached four major finals since her quest for 24 began—losing in the Wimbledon and US Open championships in both 2018 and 2019. Williams after conquering her first Grand Slam Singles title in 1990 is still considered amongst the top contenders of winning the game. Serena Williams, 38 is a title away from winning the maximum Grand Slam singles title yet held by Australian Margaret Court. Williams won her 23rd Grand Slam Singles title four years ago in the 2017 Australia Open, against her sister Venus Williams, and ever since she had to compromise with runner up trophies.
Since then, she showed up in four consecutive finals and lost all, unlike her game which shocked her fans and to all those who knew her closely. Pandemic has been the most uncertain thing human mankind has witnessed and it has changed the life of all, with new norms even the game is new and the absence of spectators around the court is something which Serena will miss because definitely, she is amongst those players who own their fans.
In 2009, she was slapped with a $10,500 fine for shoving on lineswoman after she called foot foul against her or she taught the umpire about “I’d rather lose than cheat to win,” despite all this she has not lost a single fan.
A court without the buzz of spectators and recent performances of Serena before the pandemic could be a setback for her but the game knows her for rising above all circumstances. Also, the fact of the matter is that time has gone when she used to dominate her opponents with her fierce shots and lousy expressions.
Sport is a practical game, still players do get spiritual at the time and follow certain practices to enhance their game or score well. The circumstances in which Serena Williams will have to play and stand on everyone’s expectations are somewhat similar to Margaret Court was when she clinched the title and got her name in history with the maximum number of Grand Slam Singles titles.
The court was 24 years old when she made her name in the record books while it was the mighty 24th Grand Slam Singles title for Serena. The court, after delivering her first baby clinched the record whereas Serena is yet to clinch the title since she became a mother. Also, how both the tournaments were held were first of its kind. Court’s tournament was held after a series of exhibition matches called “Battles of Sexes” took place to have equal pay between men and women players whereas Serena will play indoor games after a pandemic which is rare for the rarest moments in tennis history.
Though, due to corona fear many top-notch players have backed off from playing the game which could be beneficial for Serena as per her form but still, players must have observed the fact that now Serena Williams is not that fierce and could be an easy task for opponents.
Tomorrow, when Williams will step into Arthur Ashe Stadium to play against Kristie Ahn, ranked 96 will be confident to face a player way below her in rankings but her last poor performances will keep her on the toe.
However, she has nothing to prove to anyone, she already is and will always be the strongest women player in tennis history and by clinching the current US Open she will have even numbers by her side.