Serena Williams has warned her Wimbledon rivals she won’t suffer the same humiliation as Novak Djokovic as the defending champion steps up her bid for a record-equalling 22nd major title.
Williams was as shocked as the rest of the tennis world by Djokovic’s third round exit against Sam Querrey on Saturday, but she is using her fellow world number one’s demise as a valuable lesson not to underestimate any opponent.
The 34-year-old put that plan into practice as she routed Germany’s Annika Beck 6-3, 6-0 in 51 minutes on Centre Court on Sunday, winning 11 of the last 12 games to earn her 300th Grand Slam match victory.
Serena was so dominant that in the second set she lost only four points, and none on her serve, prompting former Wimbledon champion Jana Novotna to describe the American as “absolutely flawless”.
And Williams, who hasn’t won a major since last year’s Wimbledon, revealed fear of enduring a humbling loss like Djokovic is keeping her focused ahead of Monday’s last 16 clash with Russian 13th seed Svetlana Kuznetsova.
“Every time I step out on the court, if I don’t win, it’s major national news. But if I do win, it’s just like a small tag in the corner,” said Williams, who is hoping to tie Steffi Graf’s Open era record of 22 Grand Slam triumphs.
“I think there is only two people that you can say that about out of all the athletes.
“He and I have both made extreme history. He’s won four in a row. I won four in a row last year. I think that’s historic in itself.
“I thought Novak would come back. I was surprised he didn’t, actually.
“It is what it is. I don’t look at it as a burden. It’s really awesome to be in that position.”
