Serena Williams Denies Advantage Over Naomi Osaka and Simona Halep Withdrawal at Wimbledon Championships 2021

Record seven-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams will begin her 24th Grand Slam title campaign at the Wimbledon Championships 2021 on Tuesday. With defending champion Simona Halep and reigning Australian Open Naomi Osaka out, fans are wondering if Serena can finally break the glass ceiling.

After her unfortunate French Open 2021 withdrawal, Osaka took a break from tennis, so we won’t see her in London. Subsequently, Halep picked up a calf injury in Rome, and despite traveling to Wimbledon, she pulled out moments before the draw.

Read More: Simona Halep on the Fringes of Top 10 After Withdrawal From Wimbledon Championships 2021

Unquestionably, WTA’s World No.2 and World No.3 not playing the tournament is unfortunate for tennis fans. However, Serena wouldn’t complain, especially considering her recent record against the two.

Serena Williams on her chances to win Wimbledon after Naomi Osaka and Simona Halep’s withdrawal

In her pre-tournament presser, the 23-time Grand Slam champion disagreed about the advantage. Instead, Serena took that time to highlight the depth and quality in the women’s circuit. A non-seed Barbora Krejcikova winning the French Open 2021 title serves as a recent example.

“The women’s draw is so deep, regardless of who you play. You really have to show up now. There are no longer matches that are going to be a sure walk-through,” Serena said.

Naomi Osaka of Japan cries after winning the Women’s Singles finals match alongside runner up Serena Williams of the United States on Day Thirteen of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 8, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Furthermore, the 39-year-old explained how she has learned to be on her toes at all times.

“You just have to really have your head in and have your game on,” Serena concluded.

Above all, the American is enjoying her tennis but still has an unrivaled ferocity to win. Not to mention, she is the recurring finalist at the Championships since 2018.

Watch this story: Serena Williams And Venus Williams Best Moments at Wimbledon Championships

Who will Serena play first at Wimbledon Championships 2021?

Serena will start her grass campaign against Aliaksandra Sasnovich. The Belarusian made her best Grand Slam result at Wimbledon 2018, reaching the fourth round.

Serena Williams of The United States celebrates victory during the Ladies Singles second round match against Christina McHale of the United States on day five of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 1, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Fascinatingly, it would be the 20th appearance for the American at the All England Club. Serena would look to make the 20th time the charm. However, she has not played on grass for around two years.

Hence, there are many questions still on the surface. Do the Halep and Osaka withdrawals benefit Serena? Will a new talent stand up and stop the record time champion in London? Is Wimbledon 2021 where Serena’s chase for the 24th major title ends?

Only time can answer these questions. But most importantly, Serena will leave her heart out on the court every match she plays, and that is unmissable.

Also Read: Wimbledon Championships 2021 Draw: Serena Williams’ Path to 24th Grand Slam

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