Former World No. 1 Serena Williams has set her sights on winning 25 Grand Slam titles. The American, who has been out of the game since last year’s Australian Open, initially due to her pregnancy and later because of the birth of her daughter Alexis, ‘absolutely’ wants to win more Major trophies.
Serena, a winner of 23 Grand Slams, is one shy of Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Majors. And the 36-year-old intends to get past the Australian great when she makes her comeback to action after her current break.
Williams was all set to return at the Australian Open in Melbourne, but withdrew from the tournament citing undisclosed medical issues.
“Maybe this goes without saying, but it needs to be said in a powerful way: I absolutely want more grand slams. I’m well aware of the record books, unfortunately. It’s not a secret that I have my sights on 25, and actually, I think having a baby might help,” Williams told the Vogue magazine.
“When I’m too anxious I lose matches, and I feel like a lot of that anxiety disappeared when Olympia was born.
“Knowing I’ve got this beautiful baby to go home to makes me feel like I don’t have to play another match. I don’t need the money or the titles or the prestige. I want them, but I don’t need them. That’s a different feeling for me.”
“Sometimes I get really down and feel like, ‘Man, I can’t do this’, it is that same negative attitude I have on the court sometimes,” the US superstar added.
“I guess that’s just who I am. No one talks about the low moments – the pressure you feel, the incredible letdown every time you hear the baby cry.”
“I’ve broken down I don’t know how many times, or I’ll get angry about the crying, then sad about being angry, and then guilty, like, ‘Why do I feel so sad when I have a beautiful baby?’. The emotions are insane.”
