Williams wary of Radwanska threat
Serena Williams insists she will not be taking Agnieszka Radwanska lightly in today’s Wimbledon women’s final.
In many ways, Radwanska should be seen as favourite. As Williams points out, she has had a particularly strong season on tour, and should she triumph the 23-year-old Pole would, as well as landing her first grand slam title, also rise to number one in the world rankings.
But four-time champion Williams is the player every other fears at Wimbledon and there have looked to be few flaws in her game during impressive quarter-final and semi-final victories over Petra Kvitova, the winner last year, and Victoria Azarenka, who will be number one in the world if Radwanska loses. Maria Sharapova, currently top of the rankings, cannot stay there.
Adding to the likelihood of a Williams victory is the fact Radwanska has been ill.
As Williams limbered up by teaming up with sister Venus to book a place in this evening’s women’s doubles final, Radwanska was ailing with a respiratory illness affecting her nose and throat, cancelling a planned press conference and staying away from the practice courts.
Pointing her finger at the miserable British summer weather, Radwanska said: “I have been playing a lot of matches here in the rain and cold wind, and I haven’t been well for a few days.”
But, despite being an overwhelming favourite for the title, sixth seed Williams said: “I have to go out there and win.
“Agnieszka has had a better year than I have. She’s been way more consistent than me. She’s done really well, so she’s ranked higher than me. She deserves to be.
“I have to go out there and fight for this. This is by no means going to be easy. Never, ever do I underestimate any opponent. She’s out there to try to do her best.
“I really like Aga. She’s a great girl.”
Radwanska is the first Polish player for 75 years to have reached a Wimbledon singles final.
Jadwiga Jedrzejowska was the last, in 1937, when she lost to Britain’s Dorothy Round.
Krakow-based Radwanska said: “The most important thing is that I’m feeling good on the court and playing some good tennis, despite not being able to talk much away from the court.
“I will do whatever it takes to make sure I’m ready to play the best I can.”
Williams fired a women’s Wimbledon record of 24 aces past Azarenka in their semi-final, and the 30-year-old puts her proficiency down to experience.
“The older I get, the better I serve, and the more I like to hit aces,” Williams said.
“But in my whole career I’ve hit a lot of aces throughout tournaments.
“I don’t know how it got better. I really don’t know. It’s not like I go home and I work on baskets and baskets of serves. Maybe it’s a natural shot for me.”
