Serena Williams is back (again). The 36-year-old American has battled through injuries and depression at different periods in her career, yet she has always been able to come back. She is the greatest female tennis player in history, there’s no denying that. Serena’s also a fighter, which is what fuels her excellence. Her latest comeback might be her most inspiring one yet. Back in September of last year, Serena Williams gave birth to daughter Alexis Olympia. Not many people knew about the problems she encountered during the pregnancy that almost killed her. They were revealed in an article on CNN.
Fortunate to be alive, Serena is back where she belongs, on the tennis court. After two practice tournaments (Indian Wells and Miami) that she was supposed to use to get back into shape, the younger Williams sister was ready to roll for Roland Garros 2018. Currently ranked 451, she defeated 70th ranked Kristyna Pliskova in the first round, then got past 17th ranked Australian Ashleigh Barty, and just yesterday, she beat 11th ranked German Julia Goerges in straight sets. Up next? Her old foe – Maria Sharapova. The Russian star is attempting a comeback of her own after that notorious suspension for substance abuse. Things have not been going smoothly, as demonstrated by her WTA ranking (30), but Sharapova did reach the quarter-final and semi-final of the last two tournaments she participated in (Madrid and Rome), both clay courts. However, Sharapova has defeated Williams only twice in their previous 21 meetings and neither of them was on clay.
It’s crazy to think that a tennis player can be considered a favorite when ranked 451, but given Serena’s circumstances and reputation, if anyone can pull off winning a grand slam as a 36-year-old while ranked that high, it’s her. She has drawn plenty of attention because of her outfit during French Open 2018, or catsuit, as she likes to call it. This is what Serena had to say about it:
"I feel like a warrior in it, like a warrior princess kind of, (a) queen from Wakanda.
I'm always living in a fantasy world. I always wanted to be a superhero, and it's kind of my way of being a superhero.
I feel like a superhero when I wear it."
– @serenawilliams #RG18 pic.twitter.com/GyWeUwetIn
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 29, 2018
The Black Panther inspired costume suits her. I’m just not so sure it suits her opponents. The warrior princess is on a mission and that’s not good news for the rest of the women’s tennis world. Whenever she’s been on a mission throughout he career, she has succeeded. Proving people wrong is what she does best. Therefore, watch out Coupe Suzanne Lenglen! Serena is coming for you!
