“Serena knows how to win Grand Slams, even at 39,” former World No.1 Mats Wilander backs Serena Williams to win French Open 2021
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Serena Williams
Regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time, Serena Williams is powering her way up the ladder in this year’s Roland Garros. After thrashing her opponents in the first two rounds, the 39-year-old went past Danielle Collins in the third round of the French Open 2021.
Despite starting slow a few times, Serena made sure that she scripts a comeback and impressed everyone with her power-play. Looking at her incredible gameplay, former World No. 1 tennis player and expert Mats Wilander believes that she can take home the coveted trophy yet again.
“She has a great champion’s mindset, and that is why she has 23 majors,” Mats Wilander on Serena Williams
Praising the champion player for her all-round show in her latest game, Wilander said, “She is hitting the ball well, she is moving well and it was a really good performance. She has a great champion’s mindset, and that is why she has 23 majors – it’s mainly because of what is up here.”
Moreover, the expert added that with Aryna Sabalenka, Ash Barty, Simona Halep, Naomi Osaka, and Petra Kvitova out of the contention, Serena has a chance to add another feather in her cap.
“So who can win the tournament? It’s not going to be a nobody. Serena has won plenty of majors here; Victoria Azarenka knows how to win; Sloane Stephens knows, so I think it is going to come from there. I know she [Serena] doesn’t like to look at the draw, but she should, because it is opening up nicely. Does that put pressure on her? Maybe, but she knows better than everybody that she knows how to win Grand Slams, even at 39.”
Evert also added that Serena’s has handled the pressure situations well in the tournament. She has made good comebacks and is looking in great rhythm. Moreover, he expressed his concern about Serena’s fitness as she was seen wearing a strap around her thigh.
“I hope the thick strap around her thigh isn’t serious because her movement is crucial on this surface. I have been very impressed with how she has played so far but the second week will be telling. With Serena, she doesn’t need a whole lot of matches like normal people to get into her groove. She still wins the big points on her serve, she still concentrates and focuses on every point. I think she is moving very well.”
The champion American will next take on 21-year-old Elena Rybakina in the fourth round and would look to get past her in order to get a step closer to her 24th Grand Slam singles title.
Also read: ‘This is bigger than any individual player,’ Calm App comes out in support of Naomi Osaka
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Shubham Bhargava
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