Serena Williams's iron-fisted dominance over women's tennis means that the American is one Wimbledon title away from achieving a "Serena Slam" and halfway towards completing a rare calendar Grand Slam.
While Wimbledon was abuzz on Saturday at the prospect of the world number one winning her fourth major in a row, Williams did not want to stress out at the prospect of pulling off a feat she last achieved as a 21-year-old in 2003. "I don't feel any pressure to win all four," said the 33-year-old U.S., Australian and French Open champion.
"It doesn't make it feel any different, which I think is a good thing," added the world number one, who is being tipped to become the first player since Steffi Graf in 1988 to pull off the calendar slam.
"Maybe if I would happen to win here, then maybe I might start feeling it after that. "Ultimately, I'm taking it one day at a time and I'm not thinking that far."
While rival Maria Sharapova picked her out as "the one to beat" and called her achievements "incredible", men's champions Roger Federer and Andy Murray were more cautious.
"She's a phenomenal athlete across all sports. The stuff that she's done is obviously incredible," said Murray. "In terms of what she's trying to achieve this year, I think the easiest thing to do is to kind of get ahead of yourself.
"I'm getting asked questions about her winning four slams in one year. She still hasn't played her first round here.
"Grass is a very, very tough surface to win on, especially over three sets. Because you play badly for 30 minutes and a match can be over."
Federer added: "She's a great talent. But the biggest mistake would be to think being in the final of the U.S. Open already. "To be mentally ready for the challenge when she wants to be up for it, I think that's what's so admirable about her."
-
Latest Stories
-
Engage locals in tree planting to reclaim degraded lands – Forestry Commission directs mining companies
20 mins -
Ghana Gold Coin goes on sale: A quarter ounce at GH₵11,188.12 on Nov. 26
29 mins -
Special Voting on Monday, 2nd December, 2024 – All you need to know
30 mins -
3rd F.K. Buah Memorial Lecture honours the Educationist, Author, and Statesman
47 mins -
Thousands of job opportunities opened for the youth under Ghana’s Petroleum Hub Project – CEO
1 hour -
Gov’t must act on clean air now – Prof Kofi Amegah
2 hours -
Politicians who ignore social media as a constituency risk losing out – Technology Analyst
2 hours -
Akufo-Addo has built over 200 hospitals, most by any president – Ofosu Nkansah
2 hours -
Today’s front pages: Wednesday, November 27, 2024
2 hours -
Misinformation and Disinformation go beyond simple errors – Caroline Anipah
2 hours -
Coalition of assembly members endorse John Mahama, promise him their votes
2 hours -
‘You believe Bawumia at your own risk’ – Afriyie Ankrah to Ghanaians
3 hours -
Election 2024: MFWA urges EC to lift media access restrictions at collation centres
3 hours -
Women and youth will make me President come December 7th – Alan Kyerematen declares
3 hours -
Akufo-Addo and Bawumia’s government favours slogans over substance – Mahama
3 hours