When Serena Williams made her debut at the French Open back in 1998, her second round opponent in this year’s tournament was only seven.
21 years after that debut, the former world No.1 remains a fierce opponent to face on the WTA Tour. At Roland Garros on Thursday she disposed of Japan’s Kurumi Nara 6-3, 6-2 on Court Philippe Chatrier. Recording her 65th win at the tournament and 801st overall. The fifth highest amount in the history of women’s tennis.
“I think she was playing tennis the whole time, really good tennis the whole time.” Williams said of her opponent. “She was just playing really tactical tennis, and I just had to play a little bit better.”
Contesting only her fifth tournament of the season, 2019 has been far from plain-sailing for the 23-time grand slam champion. Shortly after the Australian Open, an ankle injury derailed her off-court preparations. Meanwhile in Rome, she pulled out of the tournament after only one match due to her knee. This week is only the second time this year she has managed to achieve back-to-back wins on the tour since January.
“I have had a tough year since I twisted my ankle in Australia,” she said.
“It’s just been really tough after that. So everything definitely feels a little bit harder than normal, but at the same time, I know that it’s going to get better.”
The concerns are not just on the court. Last week Williams was seen at Disneyland Paris in a wheelchair. A picture that continues to baffle many. Williams refuses to discuss why she was in a wheelchair, but assures that everything’s ‘all good.’
Despite the concerns over her current form and fitness, Williams remains a heavyweight in women’s tennis for numerous reasons. Besides her 72 WTA titles, she is seen as a role model for many of her younger rivals. One being Amanda Anisimova, who stunned Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets to become the youngest American woman to reach the third round of the tournament since Williams back in 1998.
“She’s done so much for the sport. She’s a huge inspiration to me. I really look up to her.” Said Anisimova.
It was during the Miami Open where Anisimova got up close with one of her idols. Being consoled by her compatriot after getting knocked out in three sets by Anett Kontaveit. Something Williams felt she had a duty to do.
“I just needed to do that, and I know she’s super young. I really love all the new young players. It’s just so exciting.” Williams explained. “I feel like tennis has done so much for me, and to see a new generation come through is great.”
It's the little things 😌 @AnisimovaAmanda on the locker room pep-talk that Serena once gave her, and how it's stuck with her ever since.#RG19 pic.twitter.com/gkib4PdXV8
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) May 30, 2019
In the last 32 Williams will lock horns with another American youngster – Sofia Kenin. The 20-year-old is currently ranked 35th in the world and won her maiden WTA title back in January at the Hobart International. Like Anisimova, she has also caught Williams attention.
“I know her game really well. She had a really great run in Australia, and I have been watching her.” She said.
“I think it will be a good match. She has a lot to bring to the table. She has a lot of excitement, and she’s a good player.”
Neither Anisimova or Kenin was born when Williams made her grand slam debut at the Australian Open more than 20 years ago (1998). A true testament to the longevity of one of the most successful players in the history of the sport.