Serena Williams: Reaching two Grand Slam finals beyond my expectations

Serena Williams has again set herself some “crazy big goals” for the 2019 season after exceeding her expectations this campaign.
After spending more than a year on the sidelines due to the birth of her daughter, Olympia, Williams made her competitive return in March this year.
Four months later and she was back in a Grand Slam final, but unfortunately finished runner up to Angelique Kerber at Wimbledon while she was also a losing finalist at the US Open with Naomi Osaka winning the title.
The 23-time major champion admits she is delighted with how things went in 2018.
“Honestly, I cannot believe the year I had,” she told The National.
“I have to say I always expect the best from myself, but reaching two Grand Slam finals back to back was beyond my expectations.”
Williams gave birth to her daughter in September 2017 and three months later she played an exhibition match against Jelena Ostapenko at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship (MWTC) in Abu Dhabi.
The American will return to the Middle Eastern country next week as she will take on her sister Venus at the MWTC, and she can’t wait to get the new season underway.
“It truly makes me excited for what’s ahead in 2019,” she said.
She added: “I always have crazy big goals but I like to keep them to myself. I think keeping them a bit of a secret helps me do the best I can.”
More from Tennis365:
-
-
Tennis betting special: Rafael Nadal 9/2 to finish 2019 as world number one
-
Comment: Grigor Dimitrov’s disastrous year proves nothing is guaranteed for Alexander Zverev
-
Notable Orange Bowl winners: From Chris Evert to Roger Federer and Caroline Wozniacki
-
-
Arantxa Sanchez Vicario: From Spanish teenage prodigy to world No 1
-
Latest
-
Tennis Features
Notable Australian Open qualifiers: From Tsvetana Pironkova and Francesca Jones to Bernard Tomic
Oli Jefford gives you the lowdown on the notable Australian Open qualifiers.
-
WTA Tour
‘I’m really happy to keep winning,’ says Aryna Sabalenka after capturing third title in a row
Another tournament, another title for Aryna Sabalenka.
-
News
Francesca Jones overcame injury and ‘wee mental breakdown’ ahead of Australian Open qualifying
The 20-year-old is in the main draw of the Australian Open.
-
Tennis News
Naomi Osaka backed to win ‘another five to 10 majors as she that all-court game right’
How many Grand Slams will Naomi Osaka win?
-
News
Francesca Jones reaches maiden Grand Slam main draw after coming through Australian Open qualifying
Jones secured a 6-0, 6-1 victory.
-
ATP Tour
‘I’m fired up,’ says Sebastian Korda after beating Cameron Norrie to reach maiden ATP Tour final
Sebastian Korda too good for Cameron Norrie.
-
Tennis News
‘You have left us here heartbroken’ – Juan Martin del Potro’s poignant tribute to his late father
An emotional letter from Juan Martin del Potro.
-
ATP Tour
‘Real fortunate to get through,’ says Cameron Norrie after beating Frances Tiafoe at Delray Beach Open
Cameron Norrie continues great run at Delray Beach.
-
Australian Open
Strict Australian Open quarantine regulations announced and those who flout rules face heavy fines
Officials will come down hard on those who flout rules.
-
Tennis Today
Tennis Today: Player in face mask U-turn, Rafael Nadal’s cousins following in his footsteps
Tennis Today features Osaka and Nadal.