Serena Williams has done it all in tennis, but there’s so much more to come.
By
November 22, 2010
For the first time since the 2008 Beijing Games, Serena Williams is getting the chance to add another title to her crown.
The 27-year-old has qualified for the women’s singles gold at the 2010 Australian Open. She will face a tough opening match against 22-year-old British teenager Kim Clijsters, who won the 2003 Australian Open title.
“I’ve never really been able to get a good read on her,” Williams said. “She came on court at Wimbledon and I just knew she was very focused. She had great composure.”
Williams has never lost to Clijsters, most recently in 2004 at Wimbledon.
Clijsters, who has won the Wimbledon singles title four times, said that it would be a big challenge for Williams to beat her in a Grand Slam event.
“I think she’s been really strong before, so I think she’s got a good chance,” Clijsters said. “I’ve got a lot of respect for her. Her career has been very successful for over a decade and I think she’s a great role model for young girls’ tennis.”
Clijsters is trying to make it to a grand slam quarterfinals so that she could play Williams at a Slam event.
“I don’t think it’s a done deal yet,” Clijsters said. “She’s been here very early on the bubble and so many people are trying to get to that level. She’s got plenty of time.
“I’ve got a lot of confidence in her. She’s been great there for me because I’ve really gotten to know the grass court. It’s a very different style. It’s been really good to have her there and it’s been really good to have her there at big tournaments.”
In spite of the lack of experience, Clijsters said that she was looking forward to the challenge of playing against Williams.
“I’ve known her for such a longer time,” Clijsters said. “So, this is a huge opportunity and I’m really excited to go and see her. As long