Serena shrugs off Sydney setback

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:13

The American was in bullish mood after learning she would be ranked behind Serbian Jelena Jankovic in Melbourne, although her confidence did appear misplaced following a 6-3 6-1 thrashing by Russia’s Elena Dementieva, who will face fellow Russian Dinara Safina in the final.

Despite the setback, Williams is adamant she can regain the crown she won in 2003, 2005 and 2007, saying: “I don’t think anyone is better than (me). I would feel crazy sitting here being a professional tennis player and saying that someone is better than me.”

Of Jankovic, Williams added: “Yeah, she is ranked higher than me (but) I don’t care if I was 1000 in the world, I would still feel like I was the best.

“That’s just me trying to be positive with myself.

“Hopefully she (Jankovic) feels that way herself.”

Williams revealed she and sister Venus had been brought up to believe they were the best, making for interesting discussions around the family dinner table.

“I believe in me. I don’t believe anyone’s better than me,” she continued.

“When I talk to Venus she says the same thing. It’s a really weird conversation.

“Whatever you do, you have to believe you’re the best if you want to be the best.”

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