Preparing to give birth to her first child net month, Serena Williams already has her eyes set on defending her Australian Open title in January.
The 35-year-old confirmed in a recent interview with Vogue magazine that she has set herself an ‘outrageous’ plan to play in the first grand slam of 2018, three months after giving birth. Williams hasn’t played a competitive match since lifting her 23rd major title in Melbourne at the start of the year.
“It’s the most outrageous plan,” said Williams. “I just want to put that out there. That’s, like, three months after I give birth. I’m not walking anything back, but I’m just saying it’s pretty intense.”
After giving birth, some might expect Williams to take it easier. This is however not the case for the former world No.1, who believes her pregnancy has given her ‘a new power.’ She hopes that this new found power will take her to Grand Slam title No.24 next year, equalling the all-time record set by Margaret Court. A challenge that she is relishing.
“Obviously, if I have a chance to go out there and catch up with Margaret, I am not going to pass that up, If anything, this pregnancy has given me a new power.”
Sharing the excitement of the pregnancy is sister Venus, who is participating in this week’s Western and Southern Open. Following her straight sets win on Tuesday, Venus spoke about becoming an aunt again.
“This is the first time I’ve been an aunt as an adult,” she said. “So it’s a completely different experience than before when I was a child.”
Forever learning
A player with 72 WTA titles to her name, Williams is still eager for improvement in her game. During pregnancy, she still managed to maintain a light fitness routine. Furthermore, she watched old videos of herself to identify any weaknesses in her game. Weaknesses that she is reluctant to share with anyone.
“I watch old matches of myself on the Tennis Channel. I hit amazing shots, and these girls are running them down and hitting winners, and I’m beginning to see why. It’s because I have patterns.” She admitted.
“I don’t want to say more than that. I don’t want these girls to read this (Vogue) article and get a leg up.”
The Australian Open will get underway on January 15th. Should Williams triumph at the tournament, she would become only the fourth woman to win a major title after having children. Court, Evonne Goolagong and Kim Clijsters are the only players to achieve the milestone so far.
