'Serena Williams is still among Major contenders,' says Justin Henin

Former world no. 1 and a Major champion Justine Henin believes that Serena Williams can still win a Major crown, despite her age and the fact she is a mom.

"It's challenging to choose a favorite in women's tennis, especially in light of the current situation. I would like to see more consistency at the top. I'm optimistic, but the situation we are experiencing today is unique. Everything that is happening in Australia, not all are in the same conditions. I hope that we see good tennis and that the players are strong mentally. Serena is a different player and a different person than the others.

Serena claimed the 23rd Major crown at the Australian Open 2017, giving birth to a daughter later that year. Returning in 2018, Williams lost four Major finals at Wimbledon and the US Open, failing to take that last step and conquer the elusive 24th Major title, the one she has been chasing for years. Serena was the US Open semi-finalist last September and will pursue another significant result at the upcoming Australian Open.

She is now a mother, and that changes a lot. Since she became a mother, we must admit that she has remained consistent. She didn't win a Major but reached four finals and the semis at the last year's US Open. It's incredible. I don't know if the 'fire' she has inside her remains the same because the priorities have changed. Winning is perhaps no longer the most important thing in her life," Justine Henin said.