Sports
Serena Williams Qualifies for Tokyo Olympics 2021, Doubts Over Participation
Despite playing fewer tournaments, Serena Williams is World No.8 and the second-highest American in WTA Rankings. And since the top four Americans would qualify for the Tokyo Olympics 2021, she has earned the ticket on merit. But the real question is, will Serena go and play for America in Japan?
Given the pandemic crisis worldwide, Japan has imposed stringent measures undertaking the Olympic Games. One of the most crucial decisions is the disallowance of family members of overseas athletes.
Previously, at the Italian Open press conference, Serena revealed that she hasn’t decided about Tokyo. However, she also added that she has never lived a day without her three-year-old daughter Olympia.
Read More: When Did Serena Williams Win Her Last Clay Court Title?
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 would she participate without her daughter is the biggest question mark.
At the Australian Open earlier this year, the 39-year-old American 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.”
Moreover, 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. Not to mention 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 23rd July 2021, 12 days after Wimbledon. Conclusively, her priorities from the season will decide whether she would 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 full-fledged preparations for the upcoming French Open 2021. Although she 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. Looking at 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 30th May 2021. Tennis fans desperately wait for her 24th Grand Slam title. Do you think Serena will win a major tournament this year?
Also Read: DISAPPOINTMENT! Top Seed Serena Williams Crashes Out of WTA Parma 2021
The post Serena Williams Qualifies for Tokyo Olympics 2021, Doubts Over Participation appeared first on EssentiallySports.
