Brutal Margaret Court twist in Serena Williams’ loss

Serena Williams will head to the French Open knowing time is running out for her just to equal Margaret Court’s all-time grand slam record, let alone break it.

Williams will have just two weeks to shake off the disappointment of her semi-final loss at the US Open and resume her pursuit of a record-equalling 24th grand slam title on the claycourts at Roland Garros.

The American great has been one title behind Court’s all-time record for over three years, failing to win a major since bagging her 23rd at the Australian Open in January 2017.

Williams has lost four grand slam finals since returning to the circuit in 2018 following the birth of her daughter and once again fell short on Thursday when she bowed out to Victoria Azarenka with a 1-6 6-3 6-3 defeat in the US Open semi-finals.

When asked by a reporter if she felt like her chance to surpass Court was slipping away, Williams was uncertain.

“I don’t know. I mean, it’s obviously disappointing,” Williams told reporters before confirming she will participate in the French Open.

“At the same time I did what I could today.

“I feel like other times I’ve been close and I could have done better. Today I felt like I gave a lot.”

Many pundits have said Williams might be running out of time to win a grand slam again.

And it’s definitely not getting any easier for Williams, who will turn 39 a day before the main draw kicks off in Paris on her least rewarding surface where the American won her third and last title in 2015.

Asked how the string of losses deep in the tournaments affect her morale as she strives to become the most successful women’s player, Williams said: “I don’t know. I just … I don’t know. I haven’t thought about that actually.”