“Little Disconcerting”: American Doubles Legend Doubts Serena Williams’ Participation at US Open 2021

Not long now until the courts of New York host fans to some enthralling action. With the clock ticking, the world prepares for the iconic US Open to kick start in the exuberant fashion it’s famous for. Notably, the return of a few legends is the highlight of the tournament. However, as the American favorite, Serena Williams gears up for her return to the sport, her fellow American and a doubles legend, Pam Shriver expresses concern over her participation.

With 23 Grand Slam titles to her name, Serena Williams is the greatest tennis player of all time. However, her decorated career has been left on the sidelines, with injuries now making most of the surrounding headlines. Notably, her most recent setback at the 2021 Wimbledon Championship raised concerns over her future, and with good reason.

After skipping some major tournaments due to the unfortunate injury, Serena now prepares for a return to the US Open 2021. However, former American tennis player Pam Shriver is among those pundits that are doubtful about the legend’s appearance.

“I find the silence a little bit disconcerting”- Pam Shriver

Given her stature and history, Serena was the favorite going into the 2021 Wimbledon Championship. However, what unfolded was a horrific incident that saw the 39-year-old go down in agony. Williams slipped on the court during her first-round clash, injuring her right thigh severely and exiting from the tournament. She is yet to return to the court since the tragic incident.

Speaking of the same, Pam expressed her concern for Serena. She said, “I find the silence a little bit disconcerting following what happened at Wimbledon. It’s been quiet, really quiet. I can remember leading into majors in recent years, there were some tells on social media from her close team. Jenkins, her hitting partner.”

Pam Shriver recently lost her mother, sometime last week. The Amercan legend explained how despite the on-goings in her family, Serena had not left her mind.

She said, “I was thinking a lot about Serena actually as I entered this call because even with things on my family front being very distracting from following tennis in recent weeks, I was, like, Where is Serena? Where are posts of her practicing and training? Where is Patrick Mouratoglou’s posts? 

WATCH STORY: The Most Controversial Serena Williams US Open Match

A 24th title for Serena Williams- Realistic or dreamy?

Undoubtedly, Serena’s appearance alone will turn heads and win hearts, given her fan-following. However, her quest for her 24th title has gotten unprecedentedly long now; The champion last won a title in 2017. Ever since, she has appeared in four finals but ended on the losing side in all.

Serena’s injury at Wimbledon gave rise to rumors of retirement. Fans speculated if the American would hang her boots, bidding goodbye to the sport she loves. But as she now prepares for a return at the US Open, fas are both ecstatic and worried. Does Serena have what it takes to compete with the absolute best and win her 24th Grand Slam title? or is expecting so a rather unrealistic dream?

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