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Serena Williams Australian Open 2021
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‘I’m feeling very confident’, Serena Williams shrugs off shoulder problem


23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams has shrugged off the shoulder problem which forced her to withdraw from a warm-up event ahead of the Australian Open. 

Serena Williams pulled out of the Yarra Valley Classic event on Friday at the semi-final stage, where she was set to face World No 1 Ashleigh Barty.

“I feel pretty good. I’ve gotten a lot of treatment already on my shoulder. But I’m super confident it’s going to be great. I’m feeling very confident, I think is a better word, and getting ready for hopefully the next two weeks,” said Williams.

The American was not the only player to withdraw in the pre-cursors, with Naomi Osaka, Victoria Azarenka and Stan Wawrinka also choosing not to compete further ahead of the Australian Open, albeit precautionary.

Williams said: “I was just thinking about more or less how I was feeling. I think at my age, my career, I really just try to go on how I’m feeling physically and not put myself in a bad position in general for my health.”

The 39-year-old, who is chasing her elusive 24th Grand Slam title to equal Margaret Court’s record, last won a Grand Slam at the Australian Open in 2017 after losing four finals across 2018 and 2019.

Williams said: “It’s definitely on my shoulders and on my mind. I think it’s good to be on my mind. I think it’s a different burden on my shoulders because I’m used to it now. It’s more relaxing.”

Williams is set to face Laura Siegemund in the first round of the Australian Open, a player who is yet to beat the American in their two previous encounters.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.