Sports Then and Now

Serena Williams will look for a return to glory at the U.S. Open.

Despite many writing off her chances of getting to the top of women’s tennis once again, Serena Williams has spoken about her positive preparations for the US Open next month.

The younger Williams sister has fallen to number 175 in the world after an early exit from Wimbledon coming on the back of a year or so of constant injury problems.

Her target is clear now though. She wants to get herself fit and ready for the US Open. She was perhaps running on adrenaline and determination at Wimbledon, at Flushing Meadows she wants to be in a better state to win the tournament.

Speaking about her preparations, she said: “It was really awful to miss the Open last year. My goal is to make sure I’m really fit. It’s the longest I’ve taken ever taken off from tennis, so it’s a challenge.”

The pressure is somewhat off Serena as well. Normally she is one of the favourites going into these tournaments, but as things stand, she is not expected by many placing free bets on the US Open to progress too far.

On this issue, the American said: “I have nothing to lose. I think that’s when people are the most dangerous.”

Leading up to Wimbledon, she wasn’t able to play too much tennis, this is another difference with regards to her US Open preparations. She will be competing in the Rogers Cup alongside her older sister Venus.

“It’ll be just like playing in the U.S. Open because everyone’s going to be there, including myself and Venus. I think it’ll be a special tournament because you’ll have a preview of what the U.S. Open is going to be like.”

This will certainly give people an indication of where Serena is with her game. One thing seems certain though, she is hungry for success, perhaps more than ever before. After her injury nightmare she cannot take any tournament for granted.

It would be great to see her back to somewhere near her best. Even if it was just a positive sign that she can regain her best form in the future. That would be encouraging for those looking to place a free bet on another major win for her soon.

Quite simply, women’s tennis isn’t quite the same without the Williams sisters at the top of their game and perhaps the US Open can be the start of their return to the top.