|
Dubai: Been there, done that. That's how one can possibly qualify Serena Williams.
The American has spent 57 weeks as the number one player in the world and amassed an impressive 28 singles titles, including eight Grand Slams.
But there is a gap in her portfolio: she has not yet won the Dubai Tennis Championships. In her previous appearance in 2005, she reached the semi-finals, but then had to retire against Jelena Jankovic with an injury. Now she's returning to Dubai to make a second attempt to claim that elusive title.
"I do remember I had a splendid time and the fun I had off the court - going to the Gold Souk and Wild Wadi and just hanging out," said Williams.
Since returning from a frustrating series of injuries, Serena has climbed back towards the top of the tree, beginning 2007 ranked 94 before rising to five by the year-end.
Victory at the 2007 Australian Open was followed by a title in Miami with victory in the final over world number one Justine Henin, quarterfinals at the French and US Opens and Wimbledon, and a final in Moscow.
It is to her credit that the younger of the Williams sisters is a top contender for the title wherever she plays, because she is able to stay in top shape despite a myriad of off-court pursuits.
She has her own fashion design company, Aneres, and is heavily in demand at various social and show business functions. She has acted in many American TV shows including ER and Law and Order. She has lent her voice to
The Simpsons, and an episode of the animated children's show Loonatics Unleashed, playing Queen Athena, who presides over an island colony of beautiful, powerful women with devious plans for the planet and its men.
"The character was described as being tall, strong, beautiful, so I guess that's how I got the role," Williams said. "I liked bringing my own character to the role. I've always thought of myself as a princess, but Athena is a queen. So I had to work it a little."
In addition to her fashion designing and acting roles, Serena has been recognised with numerous awards for her charity work, which includes donating money for school computers and setting up the Serena Williams Foundation to finance education for underprivileged kids.
Never short of confidence, Williams will nevertheless face strong competition from reigning Dubai, French and US Open champion Justine Henin, Australian Open winner Maria Sharapova, super Serbs Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic, and 2007 US Open runner-up Svetlana Kuznetsova.
"Serena Williams is one of the biggest stars in the world of tennis, and her reputation has been well earned," said Colm McLoughlin, managing director of tournament owners and organisers Dubai Duty Free.
Update
Wild card for Baghdatis
Popular Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis was yesterday handed the third and final wildcard into next week's Rotterdam Open.
The decision could prove to be controversial after Baghdatis made a late withdrawal form last year's edition, which was plagued by pullouts.
The event starting on Monday looks to have overcome that problem for 2008, with world number two Rafael Nadal, Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray heading the field.
"I felt uncomfortable about not being able to play last year, so Im delighted to have the opportunity to participate," read a statement form Baghdatis. Tournament director Richard Krajicek, a former Wimbledon champion, said he made the call after discussions with the Baghdatis management.
-AP
|
