Lewis Hamilton is beating up the nights before the race weekend in Zandvoort. But it’s not the Mercedes weakness in Spa that’s costing him his sleep – it’s the Tennis Grand Slam in New York!
The Brit is a big fan of Serena Williams. And that’s why he turns on the television at night, just to see the 40-year-old play in her last Grand Slam of her career.
Did he watch tennis at night? “Of course!” says Hamilton beaming. Well, it’s not that “natural” at all. Formula 1 is in the middle of an exhausting triple header: last Sunday Spa, now Zandvoort and then on to Monza. Tight program!
And yet the Mercedes star just finds the time to follow a special tennis match at a very late hour. On the night of Thursday, Serena Williams was on the court in New York against world number two Anett Kontaveit – and surprisingly won (7: 6 (7: 4), 2: 6, 6: 2).
Hamilton watched it live: “I was up very late to watch the game. Oh, I’m just so, so happy for her!” And so the Brit gets excited: “She still looks incredible on the tennis court.”
Even after 23 Grand Slam titles and so close to the end of his career. Because after the US Open, Williams is over. The tournament is therefore particularly emotional for her. “I’m in contact with her every day, following the processes she’s going through,” Hamilton said.
Lewis Hamilton: “No pressure” for Williams
“I don’t want to say too much, I don’t want to put any pressure on her,” emphasizes the seven-time world champion. But the American can handle pressure in front of her home crowd on her farewell tour, saying after the match: “I’m a pretty good player.” That’s why the success after a year’s injury break and the bankruptcy comeback in Wimbledon isn’t that surprising for her, because: “I’m just Serena.”
Even if Williams no longer has the 24th title. It doesn’t matter, she has long been one of the greatest in her sport. And: “She is one of the most inspiring women in the world,” says Hamilton, who only wishes her “the best for her next game” from the racetrack. Thanks to the time difference, these nightly matches have one good thing: Hamilton doesn’t miss them in the car.
Alessa Luisa Naujoks