New York: Serena Williamsan unstoppable force for the best part of two decades, launched its latest bid for a record-par 24th Grand Slam Feather Wimbledon Next week marks the tournament’s biggest question mark after ending a year-long absence from competition.
Williams played doubles with Tunisian Ons Jabeur at the Eastbourne International this week, but the former world number one has not featured in a competitive singles match since her first round exit last year at the Grasscourt Major due to injury.
Her return to Wimbledon, where she won seven singles titles, has left even the sport’s leading experts wondering what fans can expect when she comes on the court.
“She could lose in the first round or win the tournament,” declared seven-time major winner and ESPN analyst John McEnroe.
Falls in rankings to 1,208th place after tearful departure from 40-year-old All England Club A year ago, it took time to recover from a hamstring injury, and needed a wildcard Entrance to the tournament.
Williams told reporters earlier this week that she was taking her comeback “once in a day” and had “absolutely” moments of doubt about competing again.
“I love Tennis And I love to play, otherwise I wouldn’t be here, right?” she said.
Williams and Jabeur came from a set-down to win their Eastbourne women’s doubles opener and then followed up with a straight-sets win in the quarters on Wednesday with the Tunisian injured and having to withdraw.
Williams is looking for an elusive 24th Grand Slam singles title that will level her with record-holder Margaret Court, as the American last lifted a major trophy at the 2017 Australian Open.
Since giving birth to daughter Olympia in 2017, she has come close to achieving that feat, appearing in four Grand Slam finals.
But jumping back into competition a year later is a daunting task—even for tennis’ toughest competitor.
“When you don’t play long enough… it takes a while for your tennis instincts and your tennis IQ to come back,” 18-time Grand Slam winner and ESPN analyst Chris Evert told reporters.
“It’s really hard to assess how she’s going to play in singles, because you see her play doubles.”
Williams faces long odds to lift the Venus Rosewater dish, with world number one Inga Swietek of Poland, on a 35-match winning streak that included her second French Open title earlier this month. Which was a strong favourite.
“The service is looking good, there’s power. I’m excited for the tournament, that she’s playing, and I think it’s great for everyone,” Evert said.
“But you know, it’s a question mark.”
The main draw at Wimbledon begins on Monday.
Williams played doubles with Tunisian Ons Jabeur at the Eastbourne International this week, but the former world number one has not featured in a competitive singles match since her first round exit last year at the Grasscourt Major due to injury.
Her return to Wimbledon, where she won seven singles titles, has left even the sport’s leading experts wondering what fans can expect when she comes on the court.
“She could lose in the first round or win the tournament,” declared seven-time major winner and ESPN analyst John McEnroe.
Falls in rankings to 1,208th place after tearful departure from 40-year-old All England Club A year ago, it took time to recover from a hamstring injury, and needed a wildcard Entrance to the tournament.
Williams told reporters earlier this week that she was taking her comeback “once in a day” and had “absolutely” moments of doubt about competing again.
“I love Tennis And I love to play, otherwise I wouldn’t be here, right?” she said.
Williams and Jabeur came from a set-down to win their Eastbourne women’s doubles opener and then followed up with a straight-sets win in the quarters on Wednesday with the Tunisian injured and having to withdraw.
Williams is looking for an elusive 24th Grand Slam singles title that will level her with record-holder Margaret Court, as the American last lifted a major trophy at the 2017 Australian Open.
Since giving birth to daughter Olympia in 2017, she has come close to achieving that feat, appearing in four Grand Slam finals.
But jumping back into competition a year later is a daunting task—even for tennis’ toughest competitor.
“When you don’t play long enough… it takes a while for your tennis instincts and your tennis IQ to come back,” 18-time Grand Slam winner and ESPN analyst Chris Evert told reporters.
“It’s really hard to assess how she’s going to play in singles, because you see her play doubles.”
Williams faces long odds to lift the Venus Rosewater dish, with world number one Inga Swietek of Poland, on a 35-match winning streak that included her second French Open title earlier this month. Which was a strong favourite.
“The service is looking good, there’s power. I’m excited for the tournament, that she’s playing, and I think it’s great for everyone,” Evert said.
“But you know, it’s a question mark.”
The main draw at Wimbledon begins on Monday.