Vintage Serena

Williams will no doubt take her place amongst greats, says Navratilova

WHEN Serena Williams was beaten by Aussie Sam Stosur in the final of the US Open in 2011, it seemed the American’s best form may have been behind her.

But after winning four more grand slams in the past two years, and finishing 2013 with 11 titles, the world No.1 ranking and a record $A13.9.million in prize money, it seems clear the 32year-old is getting better with age.

If she can win her sixth Australian Open crown this month, Williams will join Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert as winners of 18 grand slams – behind only Steffi Graf (22) and Margaret Court (24).

Navratilova is not only confident Williams will join her and Evert on 18, but also thinks the American could threaten Court’s all-time record.

“It’s just a matter of time before she passes us. Four or five years ago I didn’t think she would get there, but the last couple of years she’s really caught up,” she said.

“And I think she can go into the 20s the way she’s playing and feeling – the sky’s really the limit for her. Also, more power to her that she can keep doing it into her 30s. That’s what’s most impressive to me.”

Williams warmed up for the Australian Open by beating world No.2 Victoria Azarenka 6-4 7-5 in the final of the Brisbane International.

She was quick to point out that result didn’t mean the same thing would happen in Melbourne.

Indeed, Azarenka was one of just three players to beat Williams in 2013 on her way to an astonishing 78-4 year.

The Belarusian, who started the year by beating China’s Li Na in the final of the Aussie Open, managed to beat the American in finals in Doha and Cincinnati.