“Nothing Is Beyond Her Reach”: Jim Courier on Serena Williams Chances at the 2021 French Open

It is no news that over the last four years, Serena Williams has been looking to equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles. However, despite reaching the finals of four Majors following her 23rd Grand Slam victory at the 2017 Australian Open, Williams has suffered defeat on each occasion.

With the 2021 Roland Garros just a month away, it presents Williams with another chance to claim the elusive record. Recently, on Tennis Channel, host Steve Weissman, alongside panellists Lindsay Davenport and former American tennis player Jim Courier, discussed Williams’ prospects of winning the upcoming French Open.

Jim Courier’s view of Serena Williams chances at French Open 2021

Knowing clay is not Williams‘ most favoured surface, Courier opined that the 39-year-old tennis star won’t be the favourite entering the French Open. However, Courier brought his fellow panellists attention to Williams’ sublime court coverage at the 2021 Australian Open and feels movement will play a big role on the clay surface.

“This is not certainly the one she would be most favoured in, but nothing is beyond her reach. Her movement this year at the Australian Open was the best we have seen in years, movement matters on this surface as much as any,” said Courier.

Since her quarterfinal loss at the Australian Open this year, Williams hasn’t played any tournament thereafter. She withdrew from the ongoing Madrid Open last month but will compete at the Rome Masters before heading to Paris.

With Serena, ‘anything is possible’

Owing to lack of match practice, the former World No.1 Courier talked about a lot depending on Williams’ comfort level on the court. But acknowledging the enormous experience of Williams, he also stated nothing would be out of reach for the 23-time Grand Slam champion.

“If she can be feeling comfortable around the court and stay on the front foot most of the time, she’s Serena, anything is possible,” added Courier.

All factors considered, the uncertainty over Williams’ chances at the French Open still looms large because of her poor performances in recent years.

Williams hasn’t reached the quarterfinals of the French Open since 2016. The last time Williams lifted the trophy in Paris was in 2015, when she defeated Lucie Safarova in a three-set final. Hence, it would take an extraordinary effort from Williams to win the title again. But if anyone can put in that herculean effort, it is the American.