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Serena chases Grand Slam history

NEW YORK — Ask Serena Williams what could prevent her from completing tennis’ first true Grand Slam in more than a quarter-century at the US Open, and the response will not include the name of a single possible opponent.

Serena Williams. Photo: AP

Serena Williams. Photo: AP

NEW YORK — Ask Serena Williams what could prevent her from completing tennis’ first true Grand Slam in more than a quarter-century at the US Open, and the response will not include the name of a single possible opponent.

“Well,” she began when that question was posed, “I’m always one of my biggest competitors. I can always stop myself. So that’s why I kind of just try to stay positive on the court and stay really focused and stay as calm as I can.”

What else?

“I have to make sure I’m good physically,” said Williams.

Anything more to worry about?

“Fear and doubt can stop me, too,” she continued. “If I step out on the court and I’m a little nervous or I’m fearful, then that’s never a really good sign.”

Really? That happens?

“It does happen. But I just embrace it and I bottle it up and I throw that bottle away,” said Williams.

Already considered by many the greatest women’s tennis player and among the greatest athletes ever, the 33-year-old American has become quite adept at discarding that fear and doubt. When the US Open begins on Monday, the top-seeded Williams will embark on a bid to become the first tennis player since Steffi Graf in 1988 to win the sport’s four most prestigious tournaments in a single season.

Only five players have pulled off a calendar-year Grand Slam, the last man to do it was Rod Laver in 1969.

Just to add to the stakes, there is also this on the line at the US Open: She can equal Graf’s professional-era record of 22 Grand Slam singles titles.

Williams’ pursuit looks set to garner the greatest attention at Flushing Meadows.

There is, after all, history in the offing. She can become the first player in the Open era with seven US Open trophies, and the first woman since Chris Evert nearly 40 years ago with four in a row.

Mostly, there is the Grand Slam to chase. “When I was younger, that was definitely a goal of mine, to win a Grand Slam,” said Williams. “It’s become more of, like, a distant dream, fable, kind of thing ... I’ve never been this close, so we’ll see.” AP

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