Serena Williams teases return to competitive tennis, says Tom Brady ‘started a really cool trend’
Serena Williams is ready for a run in the U.S. Open, the first major of the season. But she wouldn’t let anyone forget she’s been the oldest active women’s singles champion, not to mention the first in a long, long time — and only the second of her four majors to be won by either a man or a woman.
Williams is more than just a sports icon. The 32-year-old American tennis star looks the part, has a booming and raucous voice, and she’s ready to put her on the court.
But in another sign of her status as a tennis icon, Williams is ready to get serious about what her sport can be, too.
In a wide-ranging interview with NPR’s Billie Jean King at the 2012 U.S. Open, Williams talked about how she could change as a person and a player, as well as the current state of women’s tennis. And that led to a rare comparison of her career and that of the former NFL quarterback-turned-broadcaster.
“I love Tom and I love Tom loves me,” Williams said, alluding to what she refers to as Tom Brady’s “cool trend.”
King: You’ve been a champion in what, four major events?
Williams: Four.
King: Four major championships.
Williams: And I’ve been a major champion for a long time.
King: Right. Okay. And the first major that you won, the U.S. Open, the first you won over, I think, Martina Hingis?
Williams: Two, the first time I won it I guess.
King: You have been number one since 2000. How many more major championships have you won in your career?
Williams: Well, I lost the French
