“She’s Just Not Played Enough”: Legend Plays Down Serena Williams’ French Open Chances, Raises Wimbledon Hopes
Follow Us
Tennis great Martina Navratilova has backed Serena Williams to end her prolonged title drought in Grand Slams at this year’s Wimbledon Championships.
The 39-year-old American hasn’t won a Grand Slam title since lifting the 23rd of her career at the 2017 Australian Open.
Though she was typically at her menacing and marauding best at Melbourne Park this year, the champion couldn’t bring home the gravy in the end as she went down in the semifinals to eventual champion Naomi Osaka. The loss prolonged her agonizing wait for an elusive 24th title that would put her on level with the legendary Margaret Court’s career haul of Major trophies.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Serena Williams’s lack of match time showed in Rome: Navratilova
However, Navratilova reckons that Serena has a “very good chance” to lift her eighth career Wimbledon title this year.
Speaking during Amazon Prime Video’s broadcast of the ongoing Italian Open, the 18-time former Grand Slam champion said that she doesn’t see her fellow American winning the French Open this year but there’s a good chance of her ending her title wait on the lawns of All-England.
Trending
Darwin Blanch: How Father’s Relentless Efforts for His Brother Ended up Becoming a Boon for Rafael Nadal’s Opponent
April 24, 2024 06:52 PM EDT
Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her Pink Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor
April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT
Do Darwin Blanch’s Siblings Play Tennis? Everything to Know About the Young American’s Power-Packed Family
April 25, 2024 01:54 PM EDT
‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff
April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT
Madrid Open 2024: Leylah Fernandez vs Anastasia Potapova; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction
April 25, 2024 01:16 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
“Very little chance at Roland-Garros, very good chance at Wimbledon,” Navratilova said.
Marking her return to the Tour since the disappointment at Melbourne Park, Serena lost her opening clash in Rome to unheralded Argentine Nadia Podoroska.
The legend added that there aren’t enough events between now and Roland-Garros for the American to get enough matches under her belt and find her groove on clay ahead of the French Open.
“You need more match play. Serena had not played since the Australian Open. As you get older, you need to pair your schedule down and play a little bit less but she’s just not played enough and that shows up,” the nine-time Wimbledon champion said.
Martina Navratilova says Serena Williams has wilted when tested
Navratilova added that though Serena’s game is right where it needs to be and she’s moving on court as she did in her halcyon years, she hasn’t quite been able to play to her usual standards when put under pressure.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“When you have to put it all together under pressure, if you haven’t been under pressure enough you will not be able to do it,” Navratilova said.
On her loss to the Argentine, she added that Serena made some mistakes that she “normally wouldn’t make” if she had played more matches.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH: Serena Williams Prepares For French Open 2021 Lead Up Event Following Disappointing Run in Rome
She welcomed the American enlisting participation at the Parma clay-court event in the quest of more match time ahead of Roland-Garros, calling it a “great decision.”