Serena eyes first Grand Slam since 1988

Associated Press

Ask Serena Williams what could prevent her from completing tennis’ first true Grand Slam in more than a quarter-century at the U.S. Open, and the response will not include the name of a single possible opponent.

“Well,” she began when that question was posed, “I’m always one of my biggest competitors. I can always stop myself. So that’s why I kind of just try to stay positive on the court and stay really focused and stay as calm as I can.”

What else?

“I have to make sure I’m good physically,” Williams said.

Anything more to worry about?

“Fear and doubt can stop me, too,” she continued. “If I step out on the court and I’m a little nervous or I’m fearful, then that’s never a really good sign.”

Really? That happens?

“It does happen. But I just embrace it and I bottle it up and I throw that bottle away,” Williams said. “And I just go for it.”

Already considered by many the greatest women’s tennis player and among the greatest athletes ever — no matter the gender, sport or era — the 33-year-old American has become quite adept at discarding that fear and doubt. When the U.S. Open begins today, the No. 1-seeded Williams will embark on a bid to become the first tennis player since Steffi Graf in 1988 to win the sport’s four most prestigious tournaments in a single season.

Only five players have pulled off a calendar-year Grand Slam; the last man to do it was Rod Laver in 1969.

“Just the fact that she’s gotten herself into that position is an achievement on its own,” said Maria Sharapova, who withdrew on Sundaywith a lingering right leg injury. “Her consistency and her level of play throughout this year, and in previous years and her career, have spoken for itself.”

Just to add to the stakes, there’s also this on the line at the U.S. Open, where Williams has won the past three championships and a half-dozen in all: She can equal Graf’s professional-era record of 22 Grand Slam singles titles (13 of Margaret Court’s 24 came against amateur competition).

“What Serena’s doing just now is incredible,” said two-time major champion Andy Murray, who joins No. 1 Novak Djokovic and No. 2 Roger Federer as the favorites for the men’s title.

Williams’ pursuit figures to garner the greatest attention at Flushing Meadows.

There is, after all, history in the offing. She can become the first player in the Open era with seven U.S. Open trophies, and the first woman since Chris Evert nearly 40 years ago with four in a row.