Serena Williams is proud that she was able to book another official victory on Monday evening after more than a year. After her victory over the Spanish Nuria Párrizas-Díaz in Toronto, the forty-year-old American seemed to allude to an approaching end of her impressive career.
“This is only one win, but I’m very happy about it. It was a long time ago. I’ve forgotten how it felt,” Williams told lucky after her two-setter on the Canadian hard court (6-3 and 6-4) loser Parrizas Diaz.
Williams’ last win was in June 2021, when she dealt with compatriot Danielle Collins in the third round of Roland Garros. A round later, the tennis legend himself was surprisingly knocked out by Elena Rybakina, ushering in a long spell without any wins.
A few weeks later at Wimbledon, Williams had to retire in the first round with an injury and then she shone through a year of absence. At her surprising return to Wimbledon last month, the 23-time Grand Slam winner was immediately eliminated in the first round by the French Harmony Tan.
Williams needs one more Grand Slam title to equal the Australian Margaret Court’s record (24 titles), but it doesn’t look like the American can make a serious shot at that for the time being. She is regularly asked about her future plans, but she does not reveal anything concrete about that.
Serena Williams can count on sufficient support from the spectators in Toronto.
Serena Williams can count on sufficient support from the spectators in Toronto. Photo: Getty Images
‘I am motivated by light at the end of the tunnel’
When she was asked after her victory in Toronto what still motivates her in the fall of her career, she hinted at an approaching end of her career. “I think I’m motivated by the light at the end of the tunnel,” Williams said, laughing out loud, before insisting not to joke.
“The light represents freedom. I can’t wait to reach the light. I love being on the track, but I can’t keep doing this forever. That’s why I try to enjoy moments a lot and keep my utmost do your best.”
It looks like Williams will be competing in the US Open at the end of this month, where she will need a wildcard due to her ranking. The six-time winner of the Grand Slam tournament in New York notices that she is getting closer and closer to her desired form.
“I was competitive (in the first round in Toronto, ed.) and that is what I have to be. Mentally I also feel that I am going towards the level where I want to be. I am not there yet, but every game I play help me. Whether I lose or win.”
In the second round of the prestigious WTA 1000 tournament in Toronto, Williams awaits a duel with the Swiss Belinda Bencic or the Czech Tereza Martincová.