Kristina Mladenovic has expressed her ongoing admiration for Serena Williams as their third round clash takes place on Friday.
The Australian Open was speaking after her 6-2 6-2 thumping of Tatjana Maria on Centre Court and spoke about how impressed she is with returning mothers especially Maria and Serena Williams, ” Yeah, I’m really impressed, first of all, and inspired by those girls, those womans, mothers, players, really. I mean, Serena is a huge champion,” Mladenovic explained. “She’s a legend now for me in our sport. I don’t want to say it’s too easy for her. I expected it. But other people like Tatjana Maria that had to, you know, come back from scratch after, you know, giving birth and playing probably the best tennis she played in her career. It’s very inspiring.”
The world number 62 seems to be playing her best tennis at Wimbledon after an early Roland Garros exit to Andrea Petkovic. The 25 year old will now play the 23 time grand slam champion Serena Williams and the Frenchwoman is expecting a tricky test on Friday, “Well, I expect a very difficult match. Even if she’s on her way back, I definitely think she’s a favourite of our match and maybe favourite — just favourite. If she plays her best, she’s, for me, the best in our sport.”
Mladenovic looks to continue to transition her doubles form into her singles game when she competes in the biggest test in the Women’s game as she looks to defeat Serena Williams at Wimbledon on Friday.
