Former US Open champion Sam Stosur believes Serena Williams has the ability to become the most successful woman in grand slam history.
The 32-year-old has publicly backed the former world No.1 as uncertainty remains about the state of her health. Williams hasn’t played a competitive match since her loss in the semifinals of the US Open after ending her season early due to a shoulder injury. Prior to her disappointing end, the American equalled Steffi Graf’s tally of 22 major titles by winning this year’s Wimbledon Championships.
Williams is now only two trophies away from equalling Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 major titles. The task of reaching this milestone is easier said than done, but Stosur believes the formidable Williams has the ability to achieve this.
”I would certainly not be writing her off getting another one, two – who knows?” Stosur said in Brisbane on Wednesday.
“It doesn’t get any easier the older you get.
“I certainly know the differences between being over 30 to being 24.
“It’s backing up every day, that’s what becomes harder.
“But Serena is such a great champion I wouldn’t be writing her off breaking records, that’s for sure.”
2017 will be the first season where Williams will not start as world No. 1 since January 2013. Her 186-week reign at the top was ended in September by Angelique Kerber, who has won the Australian and US Open this year. Now aged 35, Williams is approaching the closing stages of her career as a new group of younger players emerge.
Stosur, who is three years younger than Williams, understands the dilemma facing her with the rising stars of the game blossoming. The former top-five player have ended her season without a title for the first time since 2012. Despite the trophy-free season, the Australian believes that age is not a barrier in Women’s tennis.
“There is a new group of players coming through and cementing themselves in the top 10, 20 and 30 that everyone is wary of,” Stosur said.
“(But) I don’t see it (age) being a huge difference.
“I still feel I am a good enough player to be up there (top 20).”
Both Stosur and Williams will be aiming to make a resurgence in the new season following a patchy 2016 performance. Next week Stosur will her 2017 season at the Brisbane International, whilst Williams will make her debut at the ASB Classic in New Zealand.
