Since claiming the 1999 US Open title at the age of 18, Serena Williams has become an icon in the world of tennis. Now with 70 WTA titles in her career, the world No.1 has candidly admitted that she never imagined herself to be where she is.
Williams’ illustrious career has included 21 grand slam titles, five year-end championship trophies and four Olympic gold medals. Only Margaret Court and Steffi Graf have won more grand slam titles than the 34-year-old on the Women’s tour. The success in Williams’ career has stunned many, especially the player herself.
“I never thought that I would have 21 grand slam titles,” she said during an interview with Sky News.
“I never thought that I would be this player. I just thought I would win the US Open and then some grand slams and see what happens after that.”
This year has been problematic for the American. With only one title to her name from Rome, Williams was denied grand slam titles by Angelique Kerber at the Australian Open and Garbine Muguruza at the French. The latest disappointment at Roland Garros is certainly something bothering the world No.1, however, she has little time for reflection.
“I am definitely a dweller, but with the French Open and Wimbledon being back-to-back you never have a lot of time to think about it.” She said about her French Open final performance.
Next week’s Wimbledon Championships will be Williams’ fourth attempt to equal Graf’s record of 22 major titles. Since triumphing at SW19 last year, she has had to settle for semifinalist followed by a two-time runner-up at the major tournaments. Some critics have said the potential milestone and the surge in expectation has had a negative impact on Williams, a viewpoint that she doesn’t agree with.
“My whole life I have been driven to do well and win grand slams. To be the best that I could and I never thought that I would be at point point going for (or equalling) Steffi Graf’s record,” the world No.1 said.
“ It’s been an interesting experience for me and it has been really great to even have this opportunity. “
The future is uncertain for the 34-year-old, who is the second oldest player in the top-100 after her sister Venus. With a reduced schedule and concerns regarding the state of her knee, retirement talk has been a popular topic in recent months. This October will be the 21st anniversary of her first appearance on the WTA Tour, where she lost in the first round of qualifying at the Quebec Open. Despite being a veteran of the tour, there are still no signs of her hanging up the racket just yet.
“I definitely cannot, I don’t know what the ending is.” She said about retirement.
“I never thought that I would be playing at this age. I don’t see an end game, but obviously there is. I feel that when I wake up and I don’t have the passion anymore. I will know that I have had enough.”
Williams will be the top seed at Wimbledon, where she will be hoping to win the title for the seventh time in her career. If she triumphs at SW19, it will be the third time that Williams has won back-to-back Wimbledon titles after 2002-2003 and 2009-2010.
