“Nothing Is Beyond Her Reach”: Jim Courier on Serena Williams Chances at the 2021 French Open

Published 05/05/2021, 3:30 PM EDT

It is no news that over the last four years, Serena Williams has been looking to equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles. However, despite reaching the finals of four Majors following her 23rd Grand Slam victory at the 2017 Australian Open, Williams has suffered defeat on each occasion.

With the 2021 Roland Garros just a month away, it presents Williams with another chance to claim the elusive record. Recently, on Tennis Channel, host Steve Weissman, alongside panellists Lindsay Davenport and former American tennis player Jim Courier, discussed Williams’ prospects of winning the upcoming French Open.

Jim Courier’s view of Serena Williams chances at French Open 2021

Article continues below this ad

Knowing clay is not Williams‘ most favoured surface, Courier opined that the 39-year-old tennis star won’t be the favourite entering the French Open. However, Courier brought his fellow panellists attention to Williams’ sublime court coverage at the 2021 Australian Open and feels movement will play a big role on the clay surface.

“This is not certainly the one she would be most favoured in, but nothing is beyond her reach. Her movement this year at the Australian Open was the best we have seen in years, movement matters on this surface as much as any,” said Courier.

Since her quarterfinal loss at the Australian Open this year, Williams hasn’t played any tournament thereafter. She withdrew from the ongoing Madrid Open last month but will compete at the Rome Masters before heading to Paris.

With Serena, ‘anything is possible’

Article continues below this ad

Owing to lack of match practice, the former World No.1 Courier talked about a lot depending on Williams’ comfort level on the court. But acknowledging the enormous experience of Williams, he also stated nothing would be out of reach for the 23-time Grand Slam champion.

“If she can be feeling comfortable around the court and stay on the front foot most of the time, she’s Serena, anything is possible,” added Courier.

Article continues below this ad

All factors considered, the uncertainty over Williams’ chances at the French Open still looms large because of her poor performances in recent years.

Williams hasn’t reached the quarterfinals of the French Open since 2016. The last time Williams lifted the trophy in Paris was in 2015, when she defeated Lucie Safarova in a three-set final. Hence, it would take an extraordinary effort from Williams to win the title again. But if anyone can put in that herculean effort, it is the American.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Kshitij Tayal is a tennis author at EssentiallySports. Having played district-level tennis competitions, Kshitij is also a tenured journalist of the sport with over four years of experience. At EssentiallySports, he pens down some thought-provoking pieces on players and tournaments across the ATP and WTA.

“Nothing Is Beyond Her Reach”: Jim Courier on Serena Williams Chances at the 2021 French Open

Jim Courier’s view of Serena Williams chances at French Open 2021

Trending

‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff

Mutua Madrid Open: Heart-Broken Taylor Townsend Makes Shattering Admission About Missing Son’s Martial Arts Performance

Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her ‘Little Pink’ Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor

Madrid Open: Aryna Sabalenka’s Fashion ‘Upgrade’ Stumps Tennis World As They React to Her Outing With Rumored Boyfriend

‘Pure B**S*T Fandom Speculation’ – Andy Roddick Weighs in on a Highly Probable Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal Emotional Reunion at Laver Cup

With Serena, ‘anything is possible’