Paris, May 23: Serena Williams officially unveiled her new outfit for the Open. But she will have to play good tennis as well as look good if she is to do better than last year.
In her semi-final against Justine Henin-Hardenne of Belgium, Williams allowed herself to be distracted by cat-calls and jeering in a controversial defeat. She will hope for a little more respect this time but the powerful American will have to earn it and like her older sister Venus, she is not in perfect condition, having undergone knee surgery in March. Going back will not be easy as Henin-Hardenne is one of the French crowd's favourites. But Williams thinks she is strong enough to handle it. "I would love to claim the title again and that's the only thing I think about," said Serena.


"So, I'm feeling really good going into the tournament. I'm hitting much better so that's great news for me, probably not so good for other people. I'm excited."


Serena has seven grand slam titles, has been world number one and has the untold millions in the bank that come with being the most marketable female athlete in the world.



Last December she signed a deal with Nike reportedly worth 40 million U.S. dollars. But she also wants to be an actress.


Bureau Report