Hamstring on the mend: Serena Williams is aiming for Australian Open
Serena Williams spoke about her injury and comeback plans while appearing on the late night show Jimmy Kimmel Live. The Australian Open, according to the 23-time major winner, is the declared goal.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Nov 05, 2021, 07:56 pm
It has become quiet this year around Serena Williams. The grande dame of tennis has not played a match since her injury-related retirement in the first round of Wimbledon. The hamstring injury suffered at the time would have taken a long time to heal completely, the 23-time major winner now said on US TV. "The hamstring is better," Williams confirmed there. "It took a very long time, it took forever, but it's a lot better now."
Accordingly, the 40-year-old could also think about her comeback plans. Serena Williams is still chasing after the record of 24 Grand Slam titles. A success that the American had been denied in the past. Williams wants to undertake a next attack at the Australian Open, where the 40-year-old is planning to return to the WTA tour: "Yes, of course," she is ready for the first major event of the year, Williams assured on the show.
Williams misses US Open and Summer Games
Due to her injury, the veteran also missed two highlights in the 2021 calendar year. At the US Open, the 23-time Grand Slam winner was just as unable to start as she was able to take part in the Olympic Games in Tokyo. A painful experience, as Williams emphasized: "It was sad to miss that," said Serena when asked about the US Open. "I tried extra hard to get fit for the tournament, but it wasn't enough," said the American.
Williams is currently only at number 41 in the WTA charts, at the beginning of 2021 Williams found himself at number seven. No advantage for the American on her way to want to have a say even at the age of 40 for the biggest title in the women's tennis world. At least the physical complaints have now subsided at Williams - a start in Down Under therefore seems quite likely.