Despite having won the most Grand Slam titles in the Open Era, tennis fans are still obsessed about Serena Williams winning her 24th Grand Slam before handing her the GOAT tag.
Over the last 3 years, Williams has been in four Grand Slam finals but has lost on each occasion in straight sets. With Williams having reached the quarterfinals of the ongoing 2021 Australian Open, she finds herself just three matches away from the elusive 24th Grand Slam title.
Serena Williams’ coach spills the beans
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Recently, during an interview, Williams’ coach Patrick Mouratoglou was asked whether his pupil could finally win her 24th Grand Slam title and equal Margaret Court’s record.
Mouratoglou talked about Williams not needing any further validation of her greatness status and revealed that the tennis star is not as obsessed with the 24th Grand Slam title as many others.
However, Mouratoglou admitted Williams certainly wants to reach the coveted number and that has been the sole aim of her return.
"There is tennis before the Open Era and tennis after thevOpen Era. We all know it's two different sports. It's anvamateur sport and a professional sport. Doesn't makevreally sense to compare."
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) February 15, 2021
“Does Serena need that validation [24th GS]? I don’t think so (…) She’s not as obsessed with the 24 than most of the people in tennis, but definitely she wants to win. That’s the only reason why she cameback,” said Mouratoglou.
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Williams’ coach mentioned tennis was an amateurish sport before the Open Era and considers it unfair to compare it with the taxing demands of the professional game it is now.
“There is tennis before the Open Era and tennis after the Open Era. We all know it’s two different sports. It’s an amateur sport and a professional sport. Doesn’t make really sense to compare,” added Mouratoglou.
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With Williams about to touch 40 this year, time is running out for her to lay all external expectations to rest. However, Williams’ longevity and dominance over the last 2 decades have been nothing short of phenomenal.
Will Williams be able to win her 24th Grand Slam crown at the 2021 Australian Open?