‘Just Serena’: Williams’ upset win at US Open keeps the legend advancing in final days of her storied career | Sports | Sports news
Just Serena: Serena Williams’ heart is on one of the strongest beats it has been in years.
The four-time champion has shown the rest of the world just why it’s a different type of player.
By Michael Stewart, Special to USA TODAY Sports
March 3, 2017
Serena Williams’ emotional win over Francesca Schiava in the U.S. Open final was the best celebration of any athlete ever, and she knew it.
There had been times when she had wondered if last year’s historic win against the top-ranked player in the world would mean she was done.
But the 34-year-old tennis star saw how much she had put in and wanted to share a moment with her sister. So she stood on a chair, held aloft by her sister Kim — while Williams’ coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, wrapped a towel around her shoulders.
At 26, Williams finally had a major victory on the final at Roland Garros after two weeks of hard work. At 33, she made history by becoming the first woman to win two majors in the Open era.
It was her first career victory over a top-ranked player and in front of a capacity crowd of 22,025 at Roland Garros.
“One of the most amazing, emotional emotions because it means that I’m one step closer to having a Grand Slam title,” Williams said.
“It’s been long, long, long, long journey. It’s just a part of life.”
It’s the seventh major Williams has won in her career. It’s also the first time she has won back-to-back major titles since Venus Williams won the same three in 2004 and ’05.
After losing in the U.S. Open final in 2005, she came back to win three back-to-back Grand Slam titles at Flushing Meadows, the French Open and the U.S. Open.
“It’s been a wild journey. This is one more step toward the ultimate goal, but at the same time it’s a part of life,” said Williams, who will retire this year after making $90 million so far in her career.
“I’m really, really happy right now, but more so happy for Serena
