Serena Williams insisted Friday that she still sets the standards for women’s tennis ahead of a semi-final showdown with world number one Ashleigh Barty before the Australian Open.
The 39-year-old has been in ominous form but needed to overcome a mid-match wobble to oust fellow American Danielle Collins 6-2, 4-6, 10-6 in 96 minutes at the Yarra Valley Classic.
Williams has looked sharp having worked her way back from an Achilles injury suffered at last year’s US Open, which then led to a withdrawal from the French Open before the second round.
Asked whether she was still the best in the world when on top form, Williams was unequivocal.
“I absolutely wouldn’t be playing if…
Keep on reading: I’m still the best, insists Serena as Barty beckons