‘Have Nothing to Prove, Nothing to Lose’- Serena Williams Describes How US Open 2022 Is Different From Other Slams

Serena Williams has nothing left to prove. The 23 times Grand Slam champion ruled the courts for years and has records that will stay intact for decades. Therefore, now she can enjoy her last dance. Williams currently is competing with the weight of winning and excelling off her shoulder.

In a fest-like tournament, the American legend is the focus. Everyone from her fans to veterans, in fact, even some of her rivals, want to see her lift the trophy for one last time. Yet the pressure isn’t there. She is free to play to her heart’s content for the first time in years, and here’s how she feels about it.

Serena Williams living her last days of the sport to the fullest

Williams, while addressing the press, post her second round victory, spoke about how the ongoing Grand Slam is different from the others. She said, “I’m super competitive. Honestly, I’m just looking at it as a bonus. I don’t have anything to prove. I have absolutely nothing to lose.”

Thereafter, she added, “Honestly, I never get to play like this since ’98, really. Literally, I’ve had an X on my back since ’99. It’s kind of fun. I really enjoy just coming out and enjoying it. It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to do that.”

“It’s just pretty awesome the things that I’ve done. I never, like, accept that. Yeah, so tonight I was just like, Serena, you’ve already won, just play, be Serena. You’re better than this.” The US Open is the first tournament in which Williams has advanced to the third round after her comeback.

Speaking of her run, she first took down former World no.46, Danka Kovinić in straight sets of 6-3 6-3 in the opening round at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Following that, she locked horns with the second seeded Estonian tennis professional, Anett Kontaveit.

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In the clash for a position in the last 32, Williams came out victorious by outclassing the World no.2 in sets of 7-6 (4) 2-6 6-2. Now, she will meet Ajla Tomljanović, the 29-year-old Cincinnati Masters quarter finalist, who plays under the Australian flag. They will square off on Friday in the hard courts of America.

Who is Williams’ new coach?

After breaking ties with French tennis coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, Serena collaborated with elder sister Venus Williams’ coach, Eric Hechtman, for her comeback. Hechtman helped Williams in the entire grass swing and the initial events of the American swing.

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But for the US Open, the six times champion had someone else in her mind. The 40-year-old joined hands with the former doubles world no.1 Rennae Stubbs. The Aussie has trained Karolína Plíšková and Eugenie Bouchard in past and is seemingly doing a good job with Williams as well.