Serena focused ‘Grand Slam style’

 

Originally published on: 18/07/13 00:00

The world No.1 picked up the award for the second time, ten years after first winning it in 2003. She is just the fourth athlete to win the award twice, after footballer Mia Hamm (1998, 2000), golfer Annika Sorenstam (2005, 2006) and skiier Lindsey Vonn (2010, 2011).

"To be on top was really an honour for me," Williams said. "I've worked really hard, and there have been so many fabulous female athletes in the last year, so to get that award really means a lot to me."

Williams, who also won the Best Female Tennis Player award for the sixth time, was not at the Nokia Theatre to collect her trophies. She is in action this week at the Collector Swedish Open in Bastad. Back in action following her surprise fourth-round defeat at Wimbledon, Williams has her sights on a seventh title of 2013.

"My main goal is to do well here," Williams said. “I love this city, but I really love the fans, and I feel like I want to do the best that I can here. I'm staying really focused, Grand Slam style.

"You never want to go to a tournament and not win, or at least not perform your best. I don't know if I'll end up winning the tournament this week, but I want to play some of my best tennis here."

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