Serena Williams appears to be in better spirits after struggling to cope with the coronavirus early on.
Serena Williams says she is “feeling more relaxed, more fit” as a result of the enforced break caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
Williams started the 2020 season in great form, winning the Auckland Open for the first time.
But just when the American was gaining momentum at the Australian Open she was dumped out of the tournament in the third round by Qiang Wang.
In February, Williams represented her country in the Fed Cup and suffered a surprise defeat to Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova but the US were still able to reach the Finals.
March then saw the coronavirus hit tennis, leading to the suspension of several tournaments.
And in an emotional video, Williams admitted she was coping with feelings of anxiety and stress.
However, being at home with her family appears to have raised the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion’s spirits and in an Instagram Live session with her sister Venus, the 38-year-old said she was eager to get back to action.
She said: “I really look forward to getting back on the court. It’s what I do best. I absolutely love playing.
“But this break is a necessary evil. I felt like my body needed it, even though I didn’t want it.
“And now I’m feeling better than ever. I’m feeling more relaxed, more fit. Now I’m just like: Now I can go out and play real tennis.”
Meanwhile, tennis legend Martina Navratilova believes Williams and Roger Federer will be viewing the break from tennis as ‘time lost’.
The duo are in the final stages of their decorated careers and Navratilova reckons the hiatus could have an impact on their legacies.
Navratilova told Laureus.com: “For players like Roger Federer and Serena Williams, it’s time lost.
“Particularly Serena, Wimbledon being her best chance to break Margaret Court’s record. She’s stuck on 23 and tries to get to 24, maybe 25.
“It’s an opportunity lost when you’re not getting any younger. If I was sitting in that position I’d be going nuts that I can’t play.
“Everybody’s in the same boat, but for the old players like Roger and even Rafa (Rafael Nadal) and particularly Serena, it’s more difficult, no doubt about that.”
