Seles: Serena Will Break Grand Slam Record

Serena Williams grew up looking up to Monica Seles.Hall of Famer Seles said it’s a matter of time before the tennis world looks up to Serena as the all-time Grand Slam champion.More: Wozniacki on Life In MiamiThe former world No. 1, who is in Singapore for this week’s WTA Finals, said 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena will win “a few more” majors and break 24-time major champion Margaret Court’s all-time record.“Is it going to be 2019, 2020? I think sooner or later, she’s going to win her next Grand Slam and probably a few more I think, as long as her body allows her to do that,” Seles told WTA Media. “I think she definitely has that hunger. In 2018, being so close at Wimbledon and the US Open, but yet so far away, is going to definitely give her that extra incentive and practice to do that.”The 37-year-old Serena, who gave birth to daughter Alexis Olympia in September of 2017, bounced back from maternity leave to reach the Wimbledon final, falling to Angelique Kerber, and the US Open final, losing to Naomi Osaka.Seles said it will take time for Williams to learn to juggle all of the responsibilities of a working mom while playing for tennis immortalilty.“I’m sure she’s navigating new waters with being a mom, professional player, getting married, making history,” Seles said. “These things usually don’t happen all in one year like it has happened in her life. So, just as a fan of the sport, fan of hers, it’s really an exciting time to watch.”

A 17-year-old Serena fought off Seles, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, in the Flushing Meadows quarterfinals en route to her first major at the 1999 US Open. Overall, Williams won four of five meetings vs. Seles.Seles told beIn Sports’ Alicia Molik Serena is the toughest opponent she ever faced.“Serena [reminds me of me], but she takes it to a whole different level with her movement and serve,” Seles said when asked to name the current player who reminds her of herself. “The toughest player [I ever faced] would have to be Serena. It was very hard to face Martina [Navratilova] and Chrissie [Evert], but I think I was lucky enough to face them later in their careers.“When I played her the first time I think Serena was 16 and I think I was number one. I just remember coming off the court saying my days are numbered. This is a player that can do everything better than I can mentally, physically, technically. And I think she is still proving that at this stage of her career. It’s hard to find, when she’s on, weak spots in her game.”Photo credit: US Open Facebook]]>