Out-of-Shape Serena Hopes for Resurgence at US Open

Posted on August 28, 2005

By Tennis-X Staff

Serena Williams, arriving in Flushing Meadows looking anything but svelte, denies her physical condition will keep her from competing for her second Grand Slam title of the year after winning the Australian Open in January.

Speaking with the media after her participation in the Arthur Ashe Kid's Day festivities at the US Open, the younger Williams sister appeared less than self-assured while providing her usual less-than-direct answers concerning her injuries and physical state.

"I definitely feel like this is definitely as good as I've felt in a while," Serena said. "I have a problem here and there and, you know, a little bit -- I don't want to get too into it because every time I do, my physio gets upset with me. She's mean."

Serena has been hampered much of the year by an ankle injury that spawned a knee injury, but only Serena knows how much the injury has hindered her training and on-court work over the last few months.

Off court, Serena says her new clothing line will wait to debut in 2006, as she's "a little nervous about getting into the shows because I really want it to be perfect. I really want to take my time."

Serena and sister Venus could potentially meet early in the event. Both sisters have fought through various injuries and illnesses over the past two years, and Serena tellingly came up short of predicting that if the two sisters did meet, the winner would go on to take the title.

"It was definitely a concern, a disappointment," said Serena on facing Venus early. "But I think whoever wins that match -- I don't know. I'm just focusing on my first opponent. I'm not really looking that far ahead."

Serena said her recent injuries have made if difficult to come into the Open with confidence, in her last outing in Toronto defaulting her second-round match due to the knee injury.

"I guess recently I've had a few doubts because of my ankle sprain and the way it's affected my leg and my body," Serena said. "So that was a little wary for me. It was interesting to feel that way."

The good news for Serena is that in her win at the Australian Open, she did not practice until she arrived in Melbourne. She says stamina-wise she is currently fit, but a Williams sister never says otherwise when facing the media.

Off-court Serena is already holding up the social trophy in the midst of a busy calendar.

"We unveiled a great line (of make-up) that I'm really excited about called 'Flirt,' which I'm doing -- I'm the guest creator with Estee Lauder," Serena said. "I'm doing great lip glosses. It's really cool 'cause it comes in an unbelievable palette, like a chain you can wear around your neck. It's really exciting. It's going to come out in the spring. Three great colors. I had a couple appearances with Florco, another one of my sponsors. That was really exciting too, too. I love working with them. What else have I done? 'Today Show' and some other things here and there. I can't remember too much. I'm really excited about Florco and Flirt. That's really exciting."

Now these two weeks during the year's last slam will show how excited Serena is about tennis.