Serena: It’s not easy at the top

 

Originally published on: 13/08/13 00:00

The world No.1 is on course for her most successful season after equalling her previous best of eight titles in a single season, which she achieved in 2002. With three months of the season remaining, Williams has Justine Henin’s record of 10 singles titles (2007) in her sights.

But despite her dominance this season – she is more than 3000 points clear of world No.2 Victoria Azarenka in the WTA rankings, Williams insists it is not all plain sailing.

"No tournament is ever easy, especially being in the position I am in,'' she said. "The tournament starts and they expect you to win. Who knows if I'll even make it to the semifinals? It's a lot of pressure. It's not easy.”

She added: "For me it's always about constantly improving and never saying `I did great and I can be satisfied’. What can I do better? What can I improve on? That's what I always strive for. When I get satisfied, and for a lot of players, the level goes down.''

Williams’ victory in Toronto on Sunday was at the expense of Sorana Cirstea, who is on the brink of breaking into the world’s top 20 following a string of scalps at the Rexall Centre.

Following victories over former world No.1s Caroline Wozniacki and Jelena Jankovic, the Romanian knocked out world No.7 Petra Kvitova and fourth seed Li Na en route to the final, where she was overpowered by Williams in her first Premier-level final.

Speaking after her dominant 6-2 6-0 victory in just 65 minutes to land her third Rogers Cup title, Williams was full of praise for her opponent.

"You've beaten so many top players this week and you're really such a good player," Williams said to the 23-year-old. "Sorana's one of the nicest girls on tour and has such a bright future."

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