World No.11 Serena Williams is in imperious form ahead of the 2021 Australian Open. Currently competing at the Yarra Valley Classic, Williams has won her opening three rounds in emphatic fashion and booked a place in the semifinals of the WTA 500 event. This is the first tournament Williams has taken part in since her withdrawal from the 2020 French Open.

Serena Williams looks so fit: Rubin

Recently, during a talk show on Tennis Channel, the 1996 Australian Open doubles champion Chanda Rubin talked about Williams’ performances so far. Referencing Williams’ second-round match against Tsvetana Pironkova, Rubin felt Williams didn’t take the match lightly and looks fit ahead of the Australian Open.

The former World No.6 contented that Williams has maintained a high level of tennis over several matches and it bodes well for the 20-time Grand Slam champion.

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“I think she looks so fit. I think she looks hungry. I think she really believes in her game. In that match, she got the serve going. Pironkova can be a very tricky player, Serena knew that. She didn’t take the match for granted.

“When Serena is plugged in from start to finish, there’s very few players that can match her. She’s maintained it over a number of matches. That’s the key as well going into the major,” said Rubin. 

With just two matches away from the title, Williams will play against World No.1 Ashleigh Barty in the semifinals of the Yarra Valley Classic. The duo has faced off twice against each other, with Williams having won both times.

Williams won her last Grand Slam title at the 2017 Australian Open. Since then, the American has played in four Major championship finals and has lost on each of the four occasions.

If Williams triumphs at the 2021 Australian Open, she will equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles. However, over the last three years, Williams has failed to go beyond the quarterfinals at the Australian Open. Last year, the 39-year-old crashed out of the third round in a thrilling three-set match.