It is still surprising that a little over a year ago, Serena Williams was just starting to make a comeback in tennis after a long break due to medical reasons. But then here she is, setting a new milestone in her career and making an achievement unlike any other.
On Saturday, Serena Williams won her first Olympic singles gold medal after thrashing Russia’s Maria Sharapova in 63 minutes 6-0, 6-1 to become the only player – male or female – achieve the singles and doubles career golden Slam (winning at least one of the four Grand Slam titles and winning the gold medal).
It was clear from the start that Serena meant business. In the post match interview, Williams revealed that she kept saying herself that this is the best chance for her to win the singles gold and that motivated her until the final round.
Williams road to the final was not by any means easy. She faced the recent world number one players – including the current one (Victoria Azarenka) and she whitewashed her opponents, capitalizing on her powerful serves, excellent footwork and amazing shots.
“I didn’t expect this. I can’t even… oh my gosh. I have a gold medal in singles, oh my gosh,” Williams said during the post-match interview on court.
“I got the gold. I’m just so happy. I don’t know what to do,” she added.
Williams will be taking a break from tennis after having already confirmed that she won’t take part at the Rogers Cup which starts this week.
