Billie Jean King Says Tennis Break Will Benefit Serena Williams

12-time Grand Slam champion and founder of WTA Tour, Billie Jean King, spoke about her legendary compatriot Serena Williams’ future in the women’s game. The American will be turning 39 this September and since her return to the circuit as a mother, Williams is on a quest for her 24th Slam.

King feels the tennis layover amid the coronavirus might positively impact Williams’ tennis career.

“I think you have to look at it as a positive in that you have to figure out what you need to do. The one thing when you’re an older player is you have to be more fit than you ever thought possible. I played until I was 40,” King to CNN. She played singles tennis until the age of 40, later, she continued to play doubles tennis till the time she turned 46.

“Serena Williams is amazing” – Billie Jean King 

In 2020, Serena Williams snapped her title-less streak since January 2017 as she won a title in Auckland. Later, at the Australian Open, she lost in the third round to China’s Wang Qiang.

Billie Jean later explained how Serena can turn around her tennis during the break, build her game, and then bounce back to winning ways once the circuit resumes.

“If I were Serena with this time off I would enjoy my baby daughter and my husband but I would also be, absolutely just from a physical point of view, driving myself and being absolutely disciplined to be so fit.”

“So when the tournaments start up again you definitely can be ready. But I think that’s the most important thing for Serena because once she starts playing matches, she is amazing,” King added.

With Williams putting in a bit more effort in her game, she can definitely pull off big achievements once again in her career.

Also Read – When Serena Williams Blasted John McEnroe For Sexist Remark

Post her maternity hiatus, Williams has reached four Grand Slam finals, falling short by two sets each time. Since her Australian Open 2017 title, Serena has been trying her best to equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 Slams.