It’s now or never for Serena Williams

She’s lost the last three Grand Slam finals she’s played and now has a fourth attempt to equal Margaret Court’s record. For Serena, this is make or break. After the Wimbledon final, her slow movement matched that of a 37 year old who was out of time. Despite the scepticism surrounding her longevity, how could we ever doubt a 23 time grand slam champion?

Williams’s first round against Maria Sharapova once again proved that she was a step above her closest rival (if you can call her that). She played attacking tennis with no sign of tension and most importantly, she was moving far better. Her only fluctuating level of tennis appeared in the McNally match but again, Serena proved too powerful for her opponent. In fact, she has proved to be two or three steps ahead of all of her opponents leading up to the final.

Why has Serena become formidable again?

Firstly and most importantly, Serena’s movement and footwork in the Wimbledon final was her biggest weakness. Being one of the world’s best technical players, Serena relies on her movement and early positioning to help build consistency to her risky, attacking playing style. It is clear that she has worked on her fitness over the last month and now it is paying dividends.

Secondly, we have seen a nervous Serena many times before and all of us know how drastically her game can drop. Throughout the US Open, she has played with more calmness and appears to concentrate on the point ahead. Looking ahead to the final, expect a far calmer and more positive Serena than in her previous finals. Her positive body language helped her in the second round against McNally so do not believe Serena will fade away if she loses the first set of the final.

Finally, linked to her calm manner, Serena has began to improve tactically as opposed to trying to bully her opponents off the court. In all her matches, she has shifted her game style very slightly therefore, we will also see an attacking yet patient Serena in the final given her improved physical condition. Overall, Serena can certainly win this match in straight sets but she must execute what Bencic couldn’t, winning the most important points. It’s now or never for Serena at the age of 37.

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