Tennis legend Martina Navratilova believes Serena Williams can play a good role at the US Open.
Especially the home advantage could play Williams in the cards. “Besides, the hardcourd is her favorite surface. It’s easy for them to find the rhythm,” Navratilova wrote in her column on the WTA homepage.
With her seventh title in Flushing Meadows, the 37-year-old could crown herself the sole US Open record winner. She currently leads the Big Apple with six victories together with icon Chris Evert.
However, according to Navratilova, the lack of play practice could become a problem for Serena Williams, who has only won one game since losing to Angelique Kerber in the Wimbledon final in mid-July (two defeats). “Though she feels physically great, I’m sure she’d wish she’d played more often.”
It was fitting that Navratilova prophesied: “When Serena comes into the second week, she will play better and better.” However, the draw is a tough one: in round three, the Sister Act with Sister Venus Williams could take place – and in the round of 16, industry leader Simona Halep would probably wait.
For the Florida superstar, however, New York is also associated with bitter memories. On her way to a career slam, Serena Williams still lacked two victories to triumph in 2015. But in the semi-final of the US Open she lost completely surprisingly against the Italian Roberta Vinci, who plays the match of her life in the lioness’ cave.
With a coup in Flushing Meadows in 2018, the former number one could catch up with major record holder Margaret Court (24 titles). “Maybe this time it’ll be easier for Serena than in 2015. Although: “Hunting and cracking records is never easy,” said Navratilova.