The 1st Grand Slam of this decade has a lot of history on the line. In Men’s tennis Rafael Nadal is looking to catch Roger Federer’s record of 20 slams. However an equally important tennis record is up for chase in WTA also. Serena Williams who won her 23rd Grand Slam 3 years ago in Melbourne Park itself is now looking for her 24th slam success which would tie her to the all time Women’s record of 24 currently with the Australian great Margaret Court. In this article we analyse Serena’s chances of doing so this January and February as the Australian Open draws near.
Past Records In Australia
Serena has been extremely successful at the Australian Open in last 18 years. The American great won her 1st title at Melbourne Park in 2003 and had won 6 more titles since than as well as finished a runner up once in 2016. In 2019 Serena reached to the quarter-final stage where her march was stopped by Karolina Pliskova. Serena could take heart from the fact that every time she has been to the semis in Australia, she has gone on to win the title except on one occasion.
Serena will enter the Australian Open this year as the 10th seed. She has chosen the Auckland Open as a preparatory event to gear up for the important Grand Slam of her career. In fact it was in Melbourne that this tennis legend had her last slam success. Back to full health and confidence Serena would be hoping for right form throughout the fortnight to make tennis history in Australia.
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Encouraging Signs Since 2018
After her Australian Open success in 2017 Serena did not play for next 4 slams due to her marriage and childbirth. She registered a comeback in French Open 2017. The beginnings were tough but the legend gradually found her game. Serena has been made it to 4 finals in the last 6 Slams. However she has not been lucky enough to cross the line.
Serena lost to Angelique Kerber and Simona Halep in Wimbledon finals of 2018 and 2019. She also finished 2nd best to Naomi Osaka and Bianca Andreescu at the US Open finals of the 2018 and 2019. The American star would be eager to change the course of events. She would be hoping that in Australia she makes it to the final is turns out 5th time lucky at the place where she won her 23rd Grand Slam.
Age And Fitness Challenges
At the age of above 38 years Serena knows that time won’t be on her side for long. She already has given birth to a baby and also in recent years has been forced to either withdraw or pull out from some matches. Even for an epitome of fitness, determination and dedication like Serena, an extremely physical game like tennis does at time raise health and fitness limitations.
The 23 time Grand Slam winner would thus be very determined to catch history before time catches up with her career. For that Melbourne present a great opportunity for this tennis genius. Whether this opportunity converts into realty would be seen in the next 4 weeks.