By Chris Oddo | Tuesday March 6, 2018
Serena Williams took another step in her comeback to the WTA Tour on Monday night in New York City, and she was joined by a fellow Wimbledon champion who is doing the same.
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Williams and 2013 Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli faced each other in the quarterfinals of Monday’s Tie Break Tens event at Madison Square Garden, with both players showing flashes of the quality tennis and competitive fire that made them Grand Slam champions. It was Williams who came away with the win, but both see the event as a stepping stone to overcoming physical obstacles as they chart out a return to full fitness and begin their separate and unique paths to the WTA Tour this spring.
All eyes were on the two champions as spectators and pundits sought to gauge how far along each has come in their respective comebacks. Williams, who has not played since winning last year’s Australian Open, looked more ready, and she easily out-maneuvered Bartoli, winning eight out of the final ten points to clinch their quarterfinal.
It will take time for both former champions to find their finest tennis and that was clear on Monday as Williams fell to Zhang Shuai of China in a close-fought semifinal, while Elina Svitolina ran away with the crown, dropping just six points in her three matches.
After her semifinal defeat Williams was asked courtside about recently published comments at WTATennis.com by her coach Patrick Mouratoglou. The Frenchman stated that Williams has three main goals this season—to win each of the year’s remaining three Grand Slams.
“Serena’s target will be to win Grand Slams,” he said. “She knows that coming back might take some time, but her level of expectation is high as always. There are three Grand Slams left this season. They will be her three main goals for 2018.”
Williams backed those words.
"I think everyone should have high expectations," Williams said in an on-court interview after her loss. "You should always believe in yourself even if no one else does."
There was one moment where Serena’s legendary competitiveness took center stage. A bad overrule negated an ace and after a comical reaction, she fired back-to-back aces against Zhang in their semifinal. It was just a subtle reminder that when the youngest Williams sister puts her mind to something—watch out.
Though it will take time for both to find their best tennis, Monday night was a glimpse into two of the more compelling storylines on tap this spring for tennis fans. It will be interesting, to say the least, to watch these comebacks progress.