Williams is 'Ronaldinho-like' - but can she win Grand Slam matches?

Published 3 hours ago Serena Williams' comeback at Wimbledon didn't end the way she would have wanted, or the way many of us hoped it might. But for me, there were still plenty of positives to take away. If Serena decides to play the US Open next month, as I hope she will, then I think her first singles match since 2022 showed more than enough to suggest she can win matches on the WTA Tour and at Flushing Meadows over the coming weeks. Although she lost to Australia's Maya Joint at Wimbledon - where she picked up a knee injury that denied her a doubles appearance with her sister Venus - I actually thought she played well enough to leave us wondering if there's more to the comeback. Watching Serena reminded me of seeing a legendary footballer like Ronaldinho. The movement might not be quite what it once was, but the talent and natural skill is unmistakable. Elite talent doesn't simply disappear, and Serena's timing and shot-making remain exceptional. She's spoken openly about coming back to play for her family, but Serena is a fierce competitor. I can't imagine she would keep playing simply for appearances if her body isn't allowing her to compete or if the results aren't there. That's not how she's built. I think the North American hard-court season is going to give a clearer indication of where she stands physically, just in terms of the conditions they play in. Events such as Washington or Cincinnati are incredibly hot and incredibly humid. The US Open can be the same as well. Image source, PA Media Image caption, Serena Williams, who earned just over £71m in career prize money, took home £80,000 after losing in the Wimbledon first round Does the knee set her plans back? Serena has kept her cards so close to her chest in terms of what her plans are, so this is assuming that she does want to play in the States. If that is something that she wants to do, the fitness will start to return naturally as you get back into training with the hours that you're putting in. Of course, we don't know exactly what the knee injury is yet or whether it is going to impact her plans. But she'll likely to need to take some time out - at least for a few more days - and allow the swelling to subside. Presuming she's fit enough to play soon I'd expect she would like at least one tournament before New York and have a little more time out on the match court to get those feet moving. A few more competitive matches could make a significant difference. Injury ends Williams' Wimbledon comeback Published 19 hours ago Eala wins 'for all the girls with ruffled socks and chubby cheeks' Published 16 hours ago Nobody would pick to play Williams at the US Open Serena hasn't played tennis for four years so she isn't physically where she was when she last played Wimbledon in 2022. But what stood out for me was her ball-striking. That, and the natural timing, was excellent against Joint. I don't think that can be taught. It feels like it's a God-given talent rather than simply hav