Ball in Serena’s court at Wimbledon with rivals’ fitness doubts
American tennis sensation Serena Williams stands good chance of equaling Margaret Court’s record Grand Slam singles titles tally of 24 in going one better than when she was the losing finalist at Wimbledon in 2019
Serena Williams turns 40 on September 26 and the arrival of that landmark birthday will be all the sweeter if she has at last equalled Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles.
The tennis legend could even hold the record outright if she wins both Wimbledon and the US Open but despite holding her own in the top 10, there is a fear that age is impacting on her powers.
A fourth round loss at the French Open to Kazakh 21st seed Elena Rybakina reflected this although clay would be her least preferred surface despite three Roland Garros titles.
However, her chances of an eighth Wimbledon crown have improved with the withdrawal of world number two Naomi Osaka, who is taking time out of the game after revealing she has been battling anxiety and depression.
There are also fitness doubts over Australia’s world number one Ashleigh Barty and third-ranked Simona Halep, who denied Williams the record-equalling Slam at Wimbledon two years ago.
That was one of four Grand Slam finals Williams has played since she drew within one title of the controversial Court’s record at the 2017 Australian Open.
Fellow American tennis legend Chris Evert believes Williams is still capable of winning at Wimbledon where she has been the losing finalist on her last two visits.
Meanwhile Naomi Osaka was all gorgeous as she graced the front page of Japan Vogue. The 23 year old who pulled out of the French Open while maintaining her shun press stand shared her stunning cover on Monday where she looked strong and stunning in a Louis Vuitton bralette paired with orange pants and her arms and long black hair in motion.
She shared three more photos from the shoot, which were very fashion-forward, including one image where she donned a colorful Nike set.