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Serena Williams: 2018 French Open showing beyond impressive

By Harry Floyd

PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 31: Serena Williams of The United States celebrates during the ladies singles second round match against Ashleigh Barty of Ausralia during day five of the 2018 French Open at Roland Garros on May 31, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 31: Serena Williams of The United States celebrates during the ladies singles second round match against Ashleigh Barty of Ausralia during day five of the 2018 French Open at Roland Garros on May 31, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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Serena Williams is back in action at the 2018 French Open this month. The American tennis legend has seen intermittent play since becoming a mother.

Three-time French Open champion Serena Williams would normally be considered the heavy favorite at Roland Garros. She is easily the greatest female tennis player to ever grace the court on clay or otherwise. Her 23 Grand Slams in singles, 14 in women’s doubles, and 2 in mixed doubles make her unparalleled in the sport. This year, however, Williams is an underdog at the French Open and everywhere else she plays.

After winning the 2017 Australian Open while pregnant, the American tennis star has largely been away from the WTA Tour. Her 2-2 singles record on the year puts her at the No. 451 ranking.

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Williams shocked the world by winning the Australian Open last year. Then, it came to light that she was also eight weeks pregnant at the major tournament. The accomplishment became even more impressive over time. Reflecting on her career, it is hard to imagine Williams being able to one-up these historic milestones. Yet, somehow she continues to do so. Williams is 36-years-old. Even without a consistent tour schedule this year, she is already into the third round at the 2018 French Open. There is no telling what she is capable of.

Serena Williams is a three-time champion in women’s singles at Roland Garros. She won the French Open title in 2002, 2013, and 2015.

While older sister Venus Williams splashes out of this year’s French Open, she did at least win her opening round doubles match alongside Serena. The two cannot be discounted, no matter their age. Venus has experienced her own resurgence on the WTA Tour in the past year. She, along with several other veteran greats, have flourished. Petra Kvitova, Angelique Kerber, and others are making headlines at any given tournament. The Race to Singapore, and the overall singles rankings, is seeing a fantastic mix of youthful up and comers and veteran stars going at it.

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Stay tuned to see how far Serena Williams can go at the French Open. She has already defeated the likes of Ashleigh Barty and Kristýna Plíšková. She takes on Julia Görges next in the round of 32. The favorites remain Simona Halep and Caroline Wozniacki. Others, such as veteran Russian great Maria Sharapova, also continue to advance at the Grand Slam event. Check back to see how Williams and others fare this year at Roland Garros.

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