Serena notches up 500 wins milestone

 

Originally published on: 19/01/12 09:37

Serena Williams’ 6-0 6-4 defeat of Barbora Zahlavova Strycova on Thursday afternoon not only earned her a spot in the third round of the Australian Open, but also proved to be something of a landmark for the American.

In her seventeenth year as a pro, the result marked her 500th tour win.

“It’s great. It’s like the ultimate. It’s really, really cool,” said Williams  of reaching the figure. “The first thing I asked, of course, is there anyone that achieved a thousand? I guess not. I never will get there either. But it’s really cool. 500 is a lot of matches to play, let alone win, so it’s pretty cool.”

Following in the footsteps of sister Venus, who is slowly closing in on the 600 mark, Serena admits emulating her elder sibling was a source of motivation but that her plan is to keep that tally ticking upwards.

“I never even thought about 500 till I got to Australia and realised after Brisbane I was at 498. So then I was like, ‘oh I definitely want to get to 500’. I knew I was going to get to 500 sooner or later.

As for setting her next big goal, Williams has not yet pinned it down.

“I don’t know what the next milestone is,” she said, repeating aloud: “I don’t know.”

The American, who has won all four of the Grand Slams in both singles and women’s doubles, may find one milestone awaiting her in the mixed competition, where she has yet to win the Australian and French Opens, but she won’t be able to complete the cleansweep this year.

Doubles partner Andy Roddick was forced to pull out of their impending match with Kveta Peschke and Mike Bryan after injuring his hamstring during his second round singles bout with Lleyton Hewitt.

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