Serena Williams Should Play Extra Tournaments To Handle Grand Slams Better, Says Former Champion

Daniela Hantuchova, the former top-five tennis player, has insisted that playing "a few extra tournaments" will help Serena Williams handle the Grand Slams better in the upcoming season.

The four-time Grand Slam winner (mixed doubles) believes Serena deserves to win another major title in her already illustrious career.

"I do hope it happens for her, as a reward for the champion she is. But I do believe she should play a few extra tournaments to be able to handle those finals better and so things can come automatically in the big moments," Hantuchova told the New York Times.

Despite not winning any major title since her return in 2018, Serena has reached four Grand Slam finals in that time and will again be among the favorites to clinch the trophy in 2020's opening Grand Slam in Melbourne.

Meanwhile, the Slovakian also spoke about Ashleigh Barty, who has tasted quite a lot of success this season by claiming winner's trophies at the French Open and WTA Finals in Shenzhen and has ended the year as the World No. 1 among the WTA players.

"Mentally, I think it finally came together for her. We’ve all been there. Everyone tells us how good we are, but we have to believe it ourselves. And she does now," the former World No. 5 said of Barty.

With 23 Grand Slam titles, the 38-year-old Serena is overall the second most successful tennis player after Australian great, Margaret Court, who won 24 in her career. Roger Federer with 20 titles is third ahead of his arch-rival Rafael Nadal, who recently clinched his 19th at the US Open.

Earlier in an interview, Serena admitted that she would like to play as long as Federer will play.

"I feel like I love what I do and I feel like when I’m out there I’m the best at what I do. However long Roger Federer plays, I’ll play. Athletes across the board, basketball, tennis, football … they’re playing into their 40s. That would have never have happened a decade ago or 20 years ago. I’m part of a new generation that was really fortunate to work with better technology, equipment and shoes. And, even knowing how to take care of your body," the American tennis ace added.