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‘Definitely on my mind’ – Serena says elusive 24th major weighs heavily
MELBOURNE, Feb 6, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – Serena Williams admitted Saturday her
long chase for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam trophy has been weighing on
her mind ahead of next week’s Australian Open.
The 39-year-old has not added to her glittering collection since beating
her sister Venus in the Australian Open final in 2017 when she was pregnant
with daughter Olympia.
Williams, chasing Margaret Court’s all-time record, has since lost four
Grand Slam finals, but insisted she was now used to the pressure.
“It’s definitely on my shoulders and on my mind,” said the seven-time
Australian Open champion. “I think it’s good to be on my mind… I’m used to
it now.”
The American has been in aggressive form in Melbourne, dropping just one
set in three matches in the Yarra Valley Classic before withdrawing from a
semi-final showdown with world number one Ashleigh Barty due to a shoulder
injury.
She said the decision to pull out was precautionary and was “super-
confident” the problem wouldn’t overly trouble her.
“I think at my age, my career, I really just try to go on how I’m feeling
physically and not put myself in a bad position in general for my health,”
she added.
Williams has appeared strong physically in Melbourne and, unlike some of
her peers, unfazed by the mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine imposed for
players travelling to Australia.
“I didn’t have really any negatives,” she said. “I realised that my life
is one big quarantine because I don’t really leave the house much.
“It wasn’t much different than what I normally do,” she added. “It was
just being forced to do that, not having any other options. I think it was
the best thing for all the players to do.”
Williams is in the same Australian Open quarter as world number two Simona
Halep and three-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka, but was focused on her
opener against Laura Siegemund of Germany.
“She has had lots of great wins over top players,” she said of the world
number 51. “She has a different game. She mixes up the pace a lot.
“It will be a really good match for me to get in there early and play my
best.”
BSS/AFP/MSY/1436 hrs