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AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – JANUARY 03: Serena Williams of USA speaks to media after her win against Pauline Parmentier of France on day two of the ASB Classic on January 3, 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)

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AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – JANUARY 03: Serena Williams of USA speaks to media after her win against Pauline Parmentier of France on day two of the ASB Classic on January 3, 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)
The talk of the town nowadays is Roland Garros, and this has grabbed the attention of every tennis fan. We would see some of the greatest tennis legends on the court. However, we will miss out on 23-time grand slam winner Serena Williams. Her old video of the 1999 French Open resurfaced where she was roaming the streets of Paris and was discussing tennis and her love for France.
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Serena Williams in France in 1999
Serena Williams is a tennis legend who has inspired many people both on and off the court. Her own rise to the top has not been easy, but she has stayed consistent and is still active on the court. Serena Williams’ old video of her roaming around the streets of Paris during the French Open 1999 is going viral on the internet. We can see Serena roaming the streets of Paris. She dropped out going to the McDonald’s and decided to visit it next time. In this, we could see younger Serena talking in French and ordering bread and sandwiches from a bakery. She said, “I love Paris a lot and I love the bakery shops. Everything about Paris is just great. Paris is in my heart and it is very exciting to me.”
A 17-year old Serena Williams tours Paris.
This feature aired during the 1999 French Open. pic.twitter.com/jTTyM3pAL2
— Tennis Historian (@HistorianTennis) May 19, 2022
Young Serena on her growth in tennis
She talked about her tennis career and said, “The difference is that I really changed, mentally most of all. Physically, I am stronger and I know now that I can actually go out there and win.” She showed confidence in her performance and believed that she could take the title home. She stated, “I can actually take home the title. Being in the Top 10 was always my goal. My career-high was no. 9 and I am actually a better player than no. 9.”
The player had made a prophecy of her success and had stated, “I am definitely gonna try to move ahead of that, and try to take the top spot.” Steffi Graf won The French Open in 1999, however, it was Serena Williams who had won the US Open by defeating Martina Hingis and clinching her first grand slam title.

via Imago
16 Jan 1998: Teenage tennis sisters from America, Venus (left) and Serena Williams take time off a practise session to pose together during the Adidas International event at White City in Sydney, Australia. Mandatory Credit: Clive Brunskill/Allsport
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A living example of resilience
The 23-time grand slam winner might not have known how much of a legendary tennis player she would be. Serena Williams is a living example of what determination and consistency can lead to. She has continued to inspire millions throughout the world. The player has hinted at her comeback at this year’s Wimbledon after suffering a hamstring injury last year.

via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 16, 2021 Serena Williams of the U.S. in action during her quarter final match against Romania’s Simona Halep REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
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Do you think Serena Williams can win her 24th grand slam this year?
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