Serena’s reputation rock solid, says Evert

CHRIS Evert has dismissed claims Serena Williams has a tarnished record because of last season’s US Open implosion as the American bids for grand slam history at the Australian Open from Monday.

Questioned about Williams’ clash with umpire Carlos Ramos in New York last year, ESPN commentator and former great Evert said: “I think that her record, the way she was raised, the journey, the path, the route she took to be No.1 … I think that whole story is so overwhelming, and the fact she dominated for so long.

“She could break the record of grand slams. That will overshadow everything.

“I think there will be a side note that Serena has a lot of passion, that she has at times lost her cool on the court.

“But I don’t think for one minute it’s going to tarnish her whole reputation or record.”

Williams was warned for coaching and received subsequent penalties for calling Ramos a “thief” during a midmatch exchange.

Evert believes Williams is more prone to pressure at Flushing Meadows because of expectation but will have more freedom at Melbourne Park.

Williams will chase an eighth Australian Open, which would put her on equal footing with Margaret Court’s tally of 24 major singles crowns.

Fellow tennis great Patrick Mcenroe described Williams’ conduct during her US Open defeat to Naomi Osaka as a negative.

“I would say this is yet another chapter in the incredible story of Serena Williams,” he said. “There’s a lot of positives. There’s a few negatives.

“There’s no doubt that also last year, when you look at the bigger picture, the fact she came back from having a child, she was really nowhere near 100 per cent and she still made the finals of Wimbledon and the US Open, was incredible.”

I DON’T THINK FOR ONE MINUTE IT’S GOING TO TARNISH HER WHOLE REPUTATION OR RECORD CHRIS EVERT