A lot has changed for Serena Williams since she last played a competitive tennis match on Canadian soil.
Taking on Belinda Bencic in the quarter-finals of the 2015 Rogers Cup, she was edged out in three sets. Four years on, the former world No.1 is now married with a child and boasts a rapidly expanding business portfolio. All whilst continuing to play on the tour at the age of 37. Something many of her rivals is inspired by.
“I love my job, I love what I do and I say this all the time. I feel really blessed and fortunate to have my career.” The 23-time grand slam champion told reporters in Toronto on Sunday.
“It’s fun to be part of an elite group of people that can go out and play in front of an amazing crowd.’
“It’s not much incredibly longer that I am going to be able to do that. It’s just that there are not many people who can do that and I am proud to be part of it.”
Ironically, it was Canada, not America, where Williams kick-started her illustrious career. In 1995 she was granted a wild card into the qualifying draw for the Tournoi de Québec (known as the Bell Challenge back then). Her first taste of life on the WTA Tour at the age of 14 was a bitter one. Getting hammered 6-1, 6-1, by Anne Miller. It was a year-and-a-half before she played another event on the tour.
“All I remember was that I was incredibly nervous and I couldn’t believe that I was playing. I just couldn’t deal with the nerves, it was a lot for me.” She recounted. “I lost in like 30 minutes or something and I just needed to go home and get a lot better. Then when I came back I was more ready to play on the professional circuit.”
Over the past two decades, Williams has managed to develop into one of the most successful female tennis players of all time. Winning 72 WTA titles and spending 319 weeks as world No.1. Nevertheless, she is hungry to achieve more. At the Rogers Cup she is a three-time champion with her last triumph occuring back in 2013. Coincidentally, all of those three wins took place when the tournament was held in Toronto.
“I think whenever I come here I have so much fun. I love the city and know it really well.” Williams explained. “I’m always here a lot, even without the tournaments. I just love being here after so many years.”
Whilst there are many achievements in Williams career, since becoming a mother she has lacked silverware. Since returning in Match 2018, she is yet to win any tournament. Agonizingly settling for runner-up in three out of the past five grand slam tournaments. Including the recent Wimbledon Championships, where she was dismantled with ease by a sublime Simona Halep in the final.
Injury has partly paid a role in recent months. Issues concerning the knees and ankle have hindered her preparation on the court. However, Williams is confident that those problems are now a thing of the past.
“I’m feeling good my knee is much better since before Wimbledon. Now that that’s better I feel like I can start doing a lot better.” She concluded.
Williams is the eighth seed in this year’s Rogers Cup. Granted a first round bye, she will play her first match against either Elise Mertens or Aliaksandra Sasnovich.
Williams’ press conference in full
3x @rogerscup champion @serenawilliams is LIVE at the podium!#USOpenSeries #rc19 https://t.co/oSxmOOvG0K
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 4, 2019
