Empty stands could help Williams’ quest for history: Shriver
SERENA Williams’ bid to finally land a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title may be boosted by the lack of fans at the US Open, according to former World No.3 Pam Shriver.
Williams (38) has lost her past four Major finals when aiming to tie the record set by Margaret Court in 1973.
“Without the crowds there, I wouldn’t be surprised if she actually feels a little less pressure,” said Shriver.
Williams has lost the past two US Open finals to Naomi Osaka and Bianca Andreescu respectively. And she will be favourite heading into the Open as six of the top-10 ranked women’s players have withdrawn due to the pandemic — including World No.1 Ashleigh Barty.
“I don’t think it devalues the tournament,” Shriver added.
“Anybody that comes through and wins seven rounds, under the circumstances of living in a quarantine bubble, unable to do your normal thing you usually do at a Major, it is going to be an incredible performance.”
Meanwhile, Spanish World No.16 Garbine Muguruza is a doubt for the US Open because of an ankle injury.
One person — not a player — has tested positive for coronavirus at the Western and Southern Open, which begins at Flushing Meadows tomorrow.
Muguruza has withdrawn from that tournament but still hopes to compete in the US Open, which starts on August 31 at the same New York venue.
The person who tested positive for Covid-19 will isolate for at least 10 days and contact tracing has begun to determine if anyone else needs to quarantine.
“I have decided to withdraw from the Western and Southern Open due to discomfort in my left ankle,” said Muguruza (26).
“I really want to get back on Tour and do it in New York.”
Kevin Anderson will be at the Western and Southern Open after a challenging 20-month period in which injuries and the suspension of play due to the coronavirus pandemic has limited his time on court.
“It’s going to be a much different experience than normal, but I’m feeling inspired after having this time off and not playing much in the past 18 months,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed the time at home with my wife and my daughter, which has been great. I’ve been training hard and keeping healthy.”