2014 Review: Serena Reigns Supreme

Coming off one of the greatest seasons in WTA history, Serena Williams was on the verge of what seemed like an unreachable achievement. Williams’ triumph at the U.S. Open in 2013 put the world number one was just one grand slam title away from tying Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova mark of 18 majors. With all eyes on the then 32-year-old American, the question arose whether Williams can overcome the pressure.

In the first half of the 2014 season, Williams was clearly affected by the overwhelming pressure to capture number 18. The world number one suffered shocking losses to players like Alizé Cornet (No. 24; Wimbledon), Garbiñe Muguruza (No. 35; French Open), and Jana Cepelova (No. 78; Charleston). As shocking as these losses were, it was the manner in which she lost these matches that left the tennis world scratching their heads.

Williams’ loss to Muguruza at Roland Garros marked the worst grand slam loss of her career, winning only four games in the 64-minute encounter. However, no loss was more puzzling than her third-round loss to Cornet at Wimbledon. After capturing the first-set of the rain-delayed match, Williams crumbled from not only the pressure of tennis fans, but also the pressure she was putting on herself. 

At the start of the U.S. Open Series, many were uncertain whether Williams, who collected four grand slam titles in the past two years, would capture her first major of the season in New York. Initially, the pressure to win the U.S Open title still plagued the world number one. However, the uncharacteristic move to play three consecutive tournaments leading into the year’s final major helped the American rediscover her dominant form. As a result, Williams looked poised to finally capture her 18^th grand slam title, in front of her home crowd.

Throughout the fortnight, Serena Williams exhibited a pressure-free demeanor, which typically spells trouble for the rest of the field. En-route to the final, the world number one dropped only 22 games, never losing more than three games in a set. In the final, Williams faced the resurgent Caroline Wozniacki. Being on the verge of her sixth U.S. Open title and 18^th major title, one would have expected Williams to exhibit signs of nerves. However, Williams, who had two tough three-setters against Wozniacki prior to the U.S. Open, seemed un-phased by the enormity of the moment. Unlike the two previous U.S. Open finals, which were dramatic three set matches, this encounter was routine for the world number one, 6-3 6-3.

As the backhand sailed along, Williams was overcome with joy. In a season where the 32-year-old showed great vulnerability, Williams persevered, and exhibited the heart of a champion. Williams’ ability to regroup following several disheartening losses parallels those of Mariano Rivera and Muhammad Ali. The world number one finished the season with seven titles; including Miami, Rome, the WTA Finals, and most importantly the U.S. Open.

Hope you enjoyed my blog. Throughout the month of December, I will be keeping you up to date on all things tennis, as well as review the biggest stories of the 2014 season.