A patriotic Serena Williams says her London Olympic gold-medal winning experience helped re-affirm her love for the sport of tennis.
The 15-time Grand Slam singles champion said she was able draw inspiration from the feats of double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius – even if she stumbled over his country of birth.
“I was brought to tears by the Australian runner – he had no legs,” she said.
After being politely corrected of his South African origin – and pointing out that the two countries shared similar national colours – Williams was quick to confirm that watching Pistorius compete in the Games put her own life into perspective.
“He brought me to tears. I went to the athletics that day … he was running and I was like ‘what am I complaining about’,” she said.
“I love the Olympics. I’d seen sports that I’d never even watched before, rooting really hard for the USA.
“One of my main goals is to make it to Rio because I just can’t let go of the Olympic dream.”
Even though her comment may have been tongue-in-cheek, it would take a brave man to bet against Williams’ reinvigorated competitive drive seeing her through the next four years.
But the 31-year old has more immediate goals in mind and – like most top-line players – the four Grand Slams in 2013 are top of her agenda.
Williams was typically frank when asked about the possibilities of claiming the elusive calendar Slam – all four majors in the same year.
“(It’s possible) for me definitely. Whoever wins the Australian Open will have that same thought, there’s no way that Victoria (Azarenka) or Maria (Sharapova) or any of the other top players don’t feel the same way,” she said.
Williams opened the new season with comfortable 6-2, 6-1 victory over countrywoman Vavara Lepchenko in the opening round but admitted it took her a little while to get used to the conditions.
“In that first game it was really windy but then I got used to it and started playing better,” she said.
The No.3 seed will also look to improve first serve percentage as the Brisbane International progresses. And she’ll no doubt keep her Olympic spirit at the forefront of her mind.