“This is Exactly What I Needed” – Serena Williams on Australian Open 2020 Preparations

The American ace Serena Williams steamrolled over her young compatriot Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals of Auckland. She wrapped up the match 6-1, 6-1 under 43 minutes.  With this, Williams is through to her second non-major final after becoming a mother.

Australian Open 2020 is set to get underway in a few days time. Serena feels perfect to begin her quest for her 24th Grand Slam title. “I’m feeling fit, I feel like I’ve had some good matches. Long rallies, short rallies, power players, the elements. This is exactly what I needed going into (the Australian Open in) Melbourne,” Williams mentioned.

Serena Williams’ ideal preparations for Australian Open 2020

The top-seed Williams played some competitive tennis in Auckland against Christina McHale and Laura Siegemund. She seems in a good form in the opening tournament of the year and no injury-related issues are looming. Williams is serving an average of six aces per match in the Kiwi tournament. And before flying to Melbourne for the first major of the year, she has convincingly received enough match practice.

However, in Auckland, none of the top-ten players participated except Williams. And in Melbourne, Serena needs to take the extra mile. She will be competing against the ace ladies of the WTA Tour to clinch her eighth Australian Open title. “I feel like everyone that I’ve played has been a quality player. So I knew that I’d have to keep playing at a better level,” she said.  

Also read – “I’m Definitely Not Super Comfortable”- Serena Williams On Conditions In Auckland

Hopefully a ‘Double Victory’ for Serena on Sunday 

Serena Williams will take on World Number 82 Jessica Pegula in the Auckland Open 2020 finals. In the semifinals Pegula eliminated Serena’s doubles mate Caroline Wozniacki. Williams is also through to the finals on the doubles court. On Sunday it’s expected to be a ‘double victory’ for the American.

Williams reflected her thoughts on winning her first WTA singles title since becoming a mother in 2017.“It would mean a lot to me,” Williams said. “I’ve just been working hard for the past couple years, putting everything together, so we’re just keeping it going. I’m looking forward to playing Pegula as well. It’ll be a tough match. I’ll have to bring it to the final.”

Serena’s 2019 season

Previously at Rogers Cup 2019 finals, Serena suffered back spasms. She retired from the championship match after playing four games. Last year Serena withdrew or retired from all the non-Slam events and did not complete any of those due to her persisting injuries. Hopefully, in 2020 she is fit and healthy throughout the season and adds titles to her name.