Serena Williams recalls how she surprised everyone at the French Open 2013


Serena Williams recalls how she surprised everyone at the French Open 2013

Serena Williams with her 2016 Rome Open trophy

Serena Williams in a recent interview recalled her ‘special’ 2013 French Open victory which made the headlines for some other reasons as well.

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Then World No. 1, Serena won her 2nd French Open title in 2013 in a (6-4 6-4) straight-set victory over then World No. 2 Maria Sharapova, which ended her 11-year wait for another French Open title after winning the first one in 2002.

The victory became a very memorable moment for her as she gave her winning speech in the French language which was her long dream that mesmerised and surprised the packed stadium at the Rolland Garros.

The 2013 French Open was the only Grand Slam title for Williams in 2013 who was in exceptional form on Clay throughout the year going unbeaten with an astounding record of 28-0 on Clay that year. Serena said, “That was a dream of mine since I was a kid to win the French Open and then to have my speech in French. I just happen to lose a lot in the French Open”

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“I was always giving my speeches in French, but this time people noticed. It was a really good moment.” said Serena Williams on people applauding her French speech

Serena Williams
Serena Williams with her 2013 French Open trophy

Serena Williams has a special bond with the French. She partnered with French coach Patrick Mouratoglou in 2012. Apart from her dream of learning French, Serena has lived in France for a quite a long time.

Serena had used French earlier as well in her speech, but the 2013 French Open finals occasion got a wider attention and received a great applaud. “I speak French and then I just never had an opportunity to win. I’ve won the French Open a few times before, but it was a long time in between before I won it again.” said Serena.

“It was on a bigger scale and I was always giving my speeches in French, but this time people noticed. It was a really good moment. I always wanted to learn French growing up… I have frequented France and stayed there for a long time, for a few years. A lot of my team is French and so I was like this is my moment, this is my moment to shine and I was really excited about it.”

Serena is set to make her Clay debut of 2021 at Rome Open in preparation for the 2021 French Open.

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Also Read: WATCH: Serena Williams looks set for her 2021 Clay debut!