Former world No.1 Serena Williams has said the ongoing suspension of the WTA Tour has enabled her to get back into top shape as she eagerly awaits returning to ‘real tennis.’
All professional tournaments have been suspended since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Williams hasn’t played on the Tour since her third round loss at the Australian Open back in January. She started 2020 in winning ways after claiming the Auckland Open title in what is her first piece of silverware since becoming a mother.
“I really look forward to getting back on the court,” Williams said during an Instagram Live workout session with her sister Venus on Tuesday.
“It’s what I do best. I absolutely love playing.”
It is still unclear as to when the Tour will start going again with the current resumption date of July 13th expected to be delayed again in the coming weeks. The United States Tennis Association is currently looking into how or if the US Open will take place later this year with a final decision expected next month. Over 20 tournaments have already been cancelled or suspended, including Wimbledon being axed for the first time since 1945.
Despite the sport coming to a halt, Williams believes it has helped revive her body. The American will turn 39 in September and is the second oldest player in the top 100 after Venus. She is chasing after a record-equalling 24th grand slam title in order to level with Margaret Court, but last won a major trophy at the 2017 Australian Open. Williams had been runner-up in four out of the last seven grand slam tournaments played.
“I felt like my body needed it, even though I didn’t want it,” she explains about the break.
“And now I’m feeling better than ever. I’m feeling more relaxed, more fit. Now I can go out and play real tennis.”
However, tennis great Martina Navratilova believes the current situation is ‘time lost’ for Williams and the other older players on the Tour. Navratilova, who claimed a total of 59 grand slam titles during her career, believes the break could have an impact on the former world No.1 and her legacy in the sport.
“For players like Roger Federer and Serena Williams, it’s time lost,” she told laureus.com. “Particularly Serena, Wimbledon being her best chance to break Margaret Court’s record. She’s stuck on 23 and tries to get to 24, maybe 25.
“It’s an opportunity lost when you’re not getting any younger. If I was sitting in that position I’d be going nuts that I can’t play.
“Everybody’s in the same boat, but for the old players like Roger and even Rafa (Rafael Nadal) and particularly Serena, it’s more difficult, no doubt about that.”
Williams has won a total of 73 WTA titles so far in her career and has earned more prize money than any other female tennis player in history.
