Serena Williams should store strength for further Grand Slam glory in 2017

Recent defeats at her home Slam, the US Open, probably hurt the most. On paper, there was no way unseeded Roberta Vinci in the 2015 semis, nor Karolina Pliskova at the same stage this season, should’ve beaten one of the greats of women’s tennis.

Yet they did, and Williams was also bested in 2016 Australian and French Open finals by Angelique Kerber and Garbine Muguruza respectively.

2017 Grand Slam suggests Serena shall come again

Wimbledon was compensation for Serena, with grass clearly still the surface that best showcases and suits her game; raw power, battering ram tennis. This is reflected in her odds to retain her Grass Grand Slam crown in 2017 with Coral making Williams the 11/8 favourite in the betting.

She must look on enviously at Germany’s new WTA world number one Kerber, who holds both Slams on hard courts, and that begs the question is the balance of power finally shifting?

No dynasty can last forever, but it seems the long hoped for more open feel of women’s tennis has already arrived before the Williams sisters have stopped playing.

Lack of longevity not key to final goal

Serena’s status as an all-time Grand Slam great is not in dispute, only her longevity. She hasn’t always bothered competing or produced at the WTA Finals in the past, preferring to focus her efforts on and prioritise the majors over this annual end of season event.

Wrestling the Australian Open away from Kerber (4/1) may be her next priority, then, and Williams remains among top tips at 7/4 for a magnificent seven successes in Melbourne and 2017 Grand Slam betting.

It is further Slam successes Serena seeks, not other accolades. Others underestimate her at their peril, and knocked off her perch as WTA number one may only serve to make her more dangerous next season.

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