Serena Williams hails Tiger Woods’ influence as she continues her US Open run
Serena Williams on the green of the 18th green during the 4th round of the US Open at Brookfield Village Golf Club on July 8, 2013 in Muirfield, United States. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Serena Williams on the green of the 18th green during the 4th round of the US Open at Brookfield Village Golf Club on July 8, 2013 in Muirfield, United States. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo credit: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Serena Williams got to play for the first time in the final round at the US Open at Brookfield Village Golf Club.
It was a special day for a special golfer.
“When I was young, I wanted to play in the US Open because I wanted to go play with Tiger Woods,” Serena said during the trophy presentation.
And she didn’t disappoint in her first start at the tournament.
Williams will go for a fifth consecutive US Open title and will also win her record-tying 24th major. The 37-year-old, who is bidding for a record-tying 20th career Grand Slam, has won 18 in a row.
She came to this fifth attempt without her mother, Kerry, who was battling breast cancer. Serena had two surgeries to remove cancerous tissue from her chest and, along with coach Patrick Mouratoglou, returned to the court in March after a 14-month absence.
“I wanted to come back and go on my own time, not have to deal with my mom,” she said. “I didn’t want to deal with it. I didn’t want to have to explain to my mother ‘why it’s not working.’ She would have been in there screaming ‘I told you so.’”
Even after taking the court, Serena was not shy about her role in the victory ceremony. She gave a shout-out to her mom and gave her blessing for her to