Playing on the Arthur Ashe stadium is by no means unfamiliar territory for 23-time grand slam champion Serena Williams.
The former world No.1 is participating in the main draw at Flushing Meadows for the 18th time in her career. Yet she was visibly emotional during the aftermath of her latest triumph. On Thursday she dismissed Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova 6-3, 6-0, in the semi-finals of the tournament. Placing her a win away from equalling Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 grand slam titles.
“I got a little emotional out there because last year I was literally fighting for my life in the hospital. I think I was on my third surgery. I had one more to go still.” Williams said during her press conference.
“To come from that, in the hospital bed, not being able to move and walk and do anything, now only a year later, I’m not training, but I’m actually in these finals, in two in a row.”
Last year, Williams was absent from New York as she gave birth to her daughter Olympia. It was at that time when she experienced multiple medical problems. Suffering from a pulmonary embolism (a blocked vessel in her lung), the stitching of her c-section opening back up and a hematoma (swelling of clotted blood) in her abdomen.
She started her roller coaster return to the tour in March in Indian Wells. Since then, Williams has won 14 out of 19 matches played. The US Open is only the seventh tournament she has played in since becoming a mum and her second final after Wimbledon.
“This is the beginning. I’m not there yet. I’m on the climb still.” She stated.
“I just feel like not only is my future bright, even though I’m not a spring chicken, but I still have a very, very bright future. That is super exciting for me.”
Awaiting the American in the final will be Naomi Osaka. The showdown will be a clash of two worlds with the 20-year-old playing in her first grand slam final. Osaka has previously paid tribute to her ‘idol’ Williams and said playing her in a major final is a ‘dream.’
“I feel like there’s so many examples that I try to set, but I’m still trying to set examples. I’m still learning, too. I’m still in this learning process of how to be better, just continue to just be positive.” Williams commented about being a role model in the sport.
At the age of 36 years and 349 days, Williams is the third oldest female grand slam finalist in history.
