Exclusive – Roger Federer and Serena Williams might only have one last chance to win again

Kevin Palmer
May 24, 2021

They have been the two shining icons of the tennis world for almost two decades, yet Roger Federer and Serena Williams may have just one final chance to be Grand Slam champions once again.

That the verdict of Eurosport host and former world No 7 Barbara Schett, who has told Tennis365 that Federer and Serena will be entering the last chance saloon when they play at Wimbledon this summer.

Federer will be looking to claim a 21st Grand Slam title when he returns to grass courts a few months before his 40th birthday, while Williams is aiming to finally win a 24th Grand Slam title to equal Margaret Court’s all-time record.

While both icons will be playing at next week’s French Open, Schett believes their most realistic chance of winning Grand Slam titles will come at the All England Club in July.

Eurosport analyst Barbara Schett — Photographer: Antoine Couvercelle

“Roger and Serena know that their best chance to win another Grand Slam title will be on the grass,” Schett told us.

“They are looking at the French Open as a chance to play a few matches and get some competitive games under their belt.

“When they get onto the grass, it should come more naturally to both of them, so it won’t matter too much if they don’t do well in Paris.

“It is a shame for them that the grass court season has been shortened because of the move for the French Open because they would have loved an extra week on grass. That might be why they have decided to play in Paris.

“For Roger, it is just about being out there competing and playing and then seeing where he can be with his game and physically by the time he gets to Wimbledon.

“We know how hard it is to get back to your best when you have been out for a year as a young player. Now we are looking at a guy turning 40 in August and looking for him to do well at Wimbledon after not playing for a year. How realistic is that? We don’t know yet. He is going to be sore after matches.

“Both Roger and Serena are staying in the game because they want to have a final shot at one more Grand Slam title and clearly their best chance will be at Wimbledon.”

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Roger Federer Serena Williams