Chris Evert: Serena Williams has lost her fear factor but she is still the greatest

Chris Evert believes Serena Williams could still claim the extra Grand Slam title she needs to equal Margaret Court’s all-time record, but she admits time is running out for the American legend who will turn 40 in September.
Williams heads into this year’s French Open as an outsider to contend for the title and 18-time Grand Slam champion Evert believes her last great chance to win a major may come at Wimbledon in July.
“I would give Serena a better chance at Wimbledon because the grass is perfect for her game as it favours power and speed,” said the American Eurosport analyst.
“On the grass, if Serena is fit and that serve is working then that’s half of the match right there.
“I think she has confidence on the grass she could do well. She has that experience and flexibility.
“In saying that if that fails for her and she goes over to the US she might feel that that’s a motivator in that it could be her last chance.
“I am not saying that she cannot win the French but two out of the three are very possible for her to win.
“The next four months could define Serena and take her to a higher level. She is an icon and she is the greatest tennis player we have seen so far. At her best, she is the greatest we have seen.
“Wimbledon and the US Open are coming up on her two best surfaces and if she can win one of them after so much has happened to her with injuries and having a baby, it would complete her legacy.
“If she can match Margaret Court’s achievement, it would parallel someone like [Rafael] Nadal winning a 14th French Open or claiming his record breaking 21st Grand Slam in Paris.
“Mentally and emotionally, she has been pulled in so many directions so to focus and win another Grand Slam title would be heroic.
“Her best chance is Wimbledon on grass. If she’s fit and that serve is working, that’s 50 per cent of her game towards winning again. I also think she has confidence on the grass, but look over the other side of the net and the opposition has gone up several levels. This feels like her last chance now.”
‘I just can’t see Serena Williams winning a major on clay at this stage of her career’
Evert went on to suggest she admires the dedication Williams have shown to continue in the game, but suggests the fear factor that one worked in her favour on the court has faded.
“The players are better now than they were two years ago and they are not intimidated,” added Evert. “They all feel they have a chance against Serena because she might be a little rusty.
“I think everything is pointed against her to win the French but if she gets three or four matches under her belt and she’s in the second week, anything can happen.
“She has been working with her fitness coach, she looks in great shape, she looks fit and she’s moving well but when you don’t play a lot of matches you lose that instinct, you lose that anticipation and that confidence. Then you look on the other side of the court and there is better competition.”
Watch Roland-Garros LIVE on Eurosport and Eurosport App
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
WTA Tour
Simona Halep to return to top ten after reaching Toronto final
Simona Halep and Beatriz Haddad Maia will battle it out for the Toronto Masters title.
-
ATP Tour
Dan Evans battles bravely but Pablo Carreno Busta sets Hubert Hurkacz showdown
The British number two was eventually outlasted 7-5 6-7 6-2 across two hours and 58 minutes.
-
ATP Tour
Andy Murray gets Cinccinati boost, but handed tricky opener against old foe with Cameron Norrie also lurking
Andy Murray handed tough assignment in Cincinnati.
-
ATP Tour
Dan Evans vs Pablo Carreno Busta: How to watch Montreal semis as Evans looks to sneak into ATP top 20
A quick lowdown on the Canadian Masters semi-final and possible ATP Ranking changes.
-
ATP Tour
Rafael Nadal ‘happy to be in Cincy’ as he finds out his path to possible glory at ATP Masters 1000 event
Rafael Nadal good to go in Cincinnati.
-
ATP Tour
Nick Kyrgios ‘doesn’t care’ about records as he admits parents’ illness and fatigue are weighing him down
Nick Kyrgios not concerned about his winning streak coming to an end as he is more worried about his parents.
-
ATP Tour
ATP Cincy draw: Daniil Medvedev and Nick Kyrgios could meet again, Dan Evans in line to face Stefanos Tsitsipas
This way for the draw of the 2022 Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati.
-
WTA Tour
Simona Halep ‘stays strong mentally’ to hold off ‘super nice and future Grand Slam champion’ Coco Gauff
Simona Halep overcomes edgy second set to beat Coco Gauff.
-
WTA Tour
WTA Cincinnati draw: Emma Raducanu to face Serena Williams in dream opening match
The Cincy draw has dished up a big one: Emma Raducanu vs Serena Williams