The WTA circuit saw Serena Williams' comeback as a safe passage into restoring some old status-quo. As it turned out, the 36-year-old American Tennis superstar is far from bringing back the glory days of past years. As the calendar is now fully enrolled in another clay court adventure, Williams hoped that her game would reach some momentum.
The reality on the field shows a different picture though as Serena withdrew from two events in a row. Madrid and Rome were part of her strategy to bounce back to the top, but it all landed outside everyone's expectations.
First, she was forced to withdrew from Mutua Madrid (Premier Mandatory), an event she has won two times in the past.
No action in Rome means that the French Open bid is in danger too
The clay courts at Foro Italico complex won't benefit from Serena Williams' presence as she decided to skip this event. A four-time champion at Internazionali BNL d'Italia Premier 5 event, Williams bagged her last triumph there back in 2016 after winning a one-sided final against her compatriot Madison Keys.
Widely considered the best female player in tennis history, Serena Williams has gathered an impressive 23 Grand Slam titles in singles. But, her hopes to get past that mark might not be fulfilled just yet as the upcoming French Open could find her unable to produce.
When it comes to this season alone, Serena Williams has some numbers. Her last appearance was in Miami when she lost the first-round shocker against Naomi Osaka. Overall, Williams is 2-2 in win/loss ratio for 2018.
With no clay court action whatsoever it would be hard to put Serena Williams in the favorites' box. Moreover, she could even consider skipping the second major of the season.
Comeback bid still lacks luster
Although she said that she would come back only for the win, the reality shows a different picture as she's been struggling to get into the field.
Moreover, she will turn 37 next September which means the window of opportunity is shrinking with every day that passes by.
But, that's a price she was willing to pay.
A one-year hiatus from professional tennis takes a huge toll on the body. Giving birth to a child is also a major shift in priorities and, to be fair, it's impressive that Serena considered a comeback to professional tennis in the first place. That would only give you a proper image of the inner fire that has been fueling her tennis passion over the last two decades.
