Former world number one Serena Williams will be making her comeback on the clay-court swing this year at the Italian Open. The American hasn’t appeared on tour since her semi-final defeat at the Australian Open earlier this year. In pursuit of a record 24th Grand Slam title, Serena is doing everything she can to clinch the title as soon as possible.

While the French Open this year provides an ample opportunity for the American, her lack of match play is affecting her rankings. Currently ranked number eight in the world, Serena must remain in the top-10 to have a better chance of winning the elusive 24th Major.

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“I feel really good”, says Serena Williams ahead of Italian Open 2021

Having decided to skip the Madrid Open, the American will play the Rome Masters. She will either play Nadia Podoroska or Laura Siegemund in her second-round match. Talking about her clay-court preparation, Serena said that she is fit and ready to play in Rome.

“Everything is fine. I feel really good. I’ve trained a lot to be ready on clay so that’s good. I feel fresh. On the one hand, it’s good to be fresh but it’s also hard. It doesn’t matter,” explained Serena.

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At the Italian Open, the American might lock horns with tough players like Naomi Osaka, Belinda Bencic, etc. An intriguing quarter-final clash is on cards for the American against the struggling Naomi Osaka.

The Japanese player proved that she is yet to develop her game on the red turf, and this gives a surreal advantage to Serena Williams to avenge her semi-final defeat at the Australian Open earlier this year.

Serena looks to make a solid comeback on clay this year

The American also talked about her possible first-round opponent Nadia Podoroska’s game and also joked about her ranking. Surprisingly, Serena didn’t know where she stands currently in the WTA rankings.

“She really knows how to play top 10. She plays with a lot of power. I saw her play earlier in the year and she was playing well. I could see his game a little bit. Everyone wants to play well against top 10 and if I’m in the top 10, I’ll be ready. I am? I don’t even know where I am, but I’m somewhere,” joked Serena.

While the American carries a lot of pressure and expectation whenever she enters a tournament, it’s equally exciting for the WTA tour to see their top player back in the locker room.

Also, Serena performed well at the Italian Open as she won the title four times. The American would like to make her presence felt in as many tournaments as possible as the competition on the women’s singles tour gets tighter with each passing tournament.

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