Serena is sentimental favourite
New York, Aug. 22: In the twilight of her remarkable career Serena Williams is more often the sentimental favourite rather than the bettors’ choice but the 37-year-old American will be both as she heads to the U.S. Open chasing an elusive 24th record-equalling Grand Slam.
Despite fitness concerns and a title drought that stretches back to the 2017 Australian Open, bookmakers are backing Williams to match Margaret Court’s record haul and the New York crowds, as always, will be in her corner when play gets underway on Monday at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
A six-time champion at Flushing Meadows, Williams was once money in the bank when it came to the U.S. Open. During a dominating run, she lifted the trophy three years in succession from 2012.
That is no longer case.
French Open champion Ash Barty or Wimbledon winner Simona Halep, who ran Williams off the court in a lopsided final at the All England Club, may be sounder investments at the betting window but punters are just as likely to follow their hearts as the hunches. In all the four events she has played outside of the majors this year, her title challenges ended abruptly — she either retired mid-match or handed rivals a walkover.
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Her hardcourt preparations were limited to the Rogers Cup which ended with the former world number one in tears when she was forced to quit the final against Bianca Andreescu after just 19 minutes after suffering back spasms.
The problem has Wimbledon, played one has lingered and led to Williams withdrawing from Cincinnati, and once again raised questions about her ability to withstand a two-week grind on the New York hardcourts.
“The most frustrating part is that I’ve had this before and it’s, like, 24, 36 hours where I’m just in crazy spasm and then it’s gone. I’m just taking it a day at a time,” said Williams after her Rogers Cup disappointment.
Williams may not strike fear into opponents as she once did but few, if any, will welcome having her on their side of the draw.