Serena Williams Qualifies for Tokyo Olympics 2021, Doubts Over Participation

Despite playing fewer tournaments, Serena Williams is the World No. 8 and the second-highest American in WTA Rankings. And since the top four Americans will qualify for the Tokyo Olympics 2021, she has earned that ticket on merit. But the real question is, will Serena go and play for America in Japan?

Given the worldwide pandemic crisis, Japan has imposed stringent measures while undertaking the Olympic Games. One of the most crucial decisions they’ve made is the disallowance of family members of overseas athletes.

Previously, at the Italian Open press conference, Serena revealed that she hasn’t yet made a decision about Tokyo. However, she also added that she has never been away from her three-year-old daughter Olympia.

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Serena Williams doubts over Tokyo Olympics 2021 participation

The four-time Olympic Gold medallist Serena Williams would inarguably be one of the favorites at the Tokyo Olympics 2021. But whether she will participate without her daughter is the biggest question mark.

At the Australian Open earlier this year, the 39-year-old American said that she cannot function without Olympia. Thus, spending an entire tournament without her seems most unlikely.

“I would not be able to go function without my 3-year-old around,” Serena said. “I think I would be in a depression. We’ve been together every day of her life.”

The 23-time Grand Slam champion is still chasing her 24th major title tirelessly. Also, the Olympics postponement from last year to 2021 has not given her much time to plan. There is also the health risk of traveling to a foreign nation.

“It was supposed to be last year, and now it’s this year, and then there is this pandemic, and there is so much to think about. Then there is the Grand Slams. It’s just a lot,” Serena said at the Italian Open. “So I have really been taking it one day at a time to a fault, and I definitely need to figure out my next moves.”

The Tokyo Olympics will begin on July 23, 2021, 12 days after Wimbledon. Conclusively, Serena’s priorities from the season will decide whether she will travel to Tokyo or not.

Read More: “Is It Being Done or Is It Not?”: Roger Federer Demands Clarity From Tokyo Olympics 2021 Organizers

Serena will next play at the French Open 2021

Presently, Serena is embroiled in full-fledged preparations for the upcoming French Open 2021. Although she has acquired only one match win in the last two tournaments on clay, she will be prepared for Roland Garros.

Serena has won the French Open three times but hasn’t reached the quarterfinals after 2016. Going by her performance, she might be able to make a breakthrough this year.

Hopefully, she will stay fit and deliver her 100% at Roland Garros starting May 30, 2021. Tennis fans desperately wait for her 24th Grand Slam title. Do you think Serena will win a major tournament this year?

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