Tim Henman says Serena Williams will not win US Open or any other Grand Slam

Tin Henman has expressed his belief that Serena Williams will not contend for the US Open or any other grand slam.

Serena Williams will return to tennis at the US Open with the American not playing ever since her injury at Wimbledon. It's been a very disappointing year for Serena whose season had a solid start at the Australian Open only to get progressively worse over the course of the year.

Tennis analyst Tim Henman was asked about Serena Williams and her US Open chances:

“Going into New York, a big question mark is around her fitness. As has been the case with [Roger] Federer, she’s not getting any younger. So, whereas I did probably have that belief at the beginning of the year, I think it’s a step too far now.”

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For Henman, it's not about doubting Serena Williams as much as it's her opponents getting better and better as she got worse with time. He explained by saying:

“When you look at it, there’s a long list of other great female players. The standard, the quality, the athletic ability of so many of them is just so high and I think the strength and depth of the women’s game is better than it’s ever been. You know Serena can absolutely still contend if she’s fit, but do I think she can win another Grand Slam singles title? Right now I don’t.”

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Williams was supposed to appear at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati but pulled out due to an apparent injury. Asked whether she would have like to play several prep events Henman said:

“She's been around long enough and is experienced enough to know that matchplay and match fitness is very very important. You can practice and train and do all that work as much as you like but there's no substitute for tournament time and match competition. So in an ideal world, she would like to be playing a few events in the lead up to the Slams, but that just hasn't been possible because of injuries.”