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A New Grand Slam Champion

© Michael Cecilio

No more waiting....
She has been a member of the WTA tour for only two years now, but in that short space of time, she has always managed to generate enough interest both on-court and off-court while establishing herself as one of the main contenders on the circuit. However, she had somewhat always played in the shadow of her older sister, who had already established herself as a top contender on the tour. Whether she was known as "Venus's little sister" or as a part of the "Williams sisters" duo, she was always recognised in association with her older sister Venus Williams.

The day has finally come for Serena to stand alone on her own two feet, as she has accomplished something not even her older and more established sister has been able to in a three and a half year career. Serena has won her first Grand Slam championship at the US Open this year. Not only did she win it, but she did it in fine style, beating three of the top four players en route to the title. What made the win even more special was the fact that she was on the brink of defeat in the third round against the talented Belgian Kim Clijsters, but tightened up the screws and rallied for a hard-fought three-set victory.

It has come to my attention just how Serena has evolved as a player, not just in comparison to a year ago but in comparison to perhaps only just a few months ago. Everyone knew that Williams - both Williams girls - had the game to win these sorts of championships, she had the stamina to last the distance, the physical strength to blast her big serves and groundstrokes, and the agility to run down a lot more balls and play great defence. What seemed to be lacking was the mental strength and the ability to play well under pressure which is needed to win seven big matches over the course of two weeks.

Things have really changed, especially for Serena, within the short space of a few months. She adapted her mental approach to the Grand Slams with a lot more poise and maturity, and things have definitely paid off for her in that respect. In her last Grand Slam effort, she had bowed out of the third round at the French Open to veteran Mary Joe Fernandez - losing 6-0 in the decisive set. Serena said it best when she said she was "tired of losing early" at the Slams and wanted to change things around. But who would have guessed Serena would win the US Open this year? Yes, she had all the weapons needed to win but she lacked the experience which other frontrunners like Hingis, Davenport and her sister already acquired. Serena went on to prove that sheer tenacity and determination won over mere experience - she really wanted to win this title and prove to the world that she was capable of putting her money where her mouth was.