Serena Williams recalls victories over Hingis and Seles

In November 1997, Serena played Ameritech Cup in Chicago. Still just a 16-year-old girl surprised everybody at the tournament. First, she defeated Elena Likhosvsteva. Then, she did not lose a set against Mary Pierce and in the next round she also defeated Monica Seles. About match against Seles, Serena said:

"I had my first competitive match and I was incredibly young, I remember playing that match in 1997 and always really loved Monica. I just wanted to play like Monica, she was my favorite player growing up and I wanted to just be like her. I wanted to hit like her, playing like her. Having the opportunity to play here was like, 'All right, oh cool' I got it.

"I knew it because I watched her so much and I wanted to go into the next Grand Slam and not have to be in the qualifying. So for me, it was like, I have to win these matches, I have to do well in this tournament."

Williams also remembers her first Grand Slam trophy. At the 1999 US Open she defeated Po, Kostanic, Clijsters, Martínez, Seles, Davenport and Martina Hingis in the final. And about match against Hingis she spoke.

"That was a really big turning point in my career winning at my first Grand Slam. I always said I was going to win a Grand Slam, and next thing I know, I'd won, beating the No.1 player in the world. Hingis was really dominating everyone at that time, so I was glad to get that one because I kind of deep starting my career."