Anyone else marvel at Serena Williams’ ability to break into the splits on court after hitting a massive groundstroke?
The world No1 may be recovering from a knee injury but that didn’t stop her from bringing out her signature splits in her opening match against Ana Ivanovic. And while, for a split second there you worry whether she’ll get up, she quickly eases your worries by popping up like nothing happened.
We asked Williams about when was the first time she decided to do the splits on court.
The 33-year-old said: “I’m going to say Toronto in 2007-ish, 2009.
“It was the first time. I was running for a forehand. I remember this very well.
“It was even a set point, I think. I managed to hit a winner up the line mid-split, and it became legendary after that.”
Does she practise?
“I don’t try to do it,” she assured.
“I never do it in practice. I never run that hard in practice.
“I save it for a match. I do work on my flexibility, but not for tennis. Because I dance, I guess it comes in handy. Like knock two birds out with one stone.”
Meanwhile, the players shared their thoughts on the on-court fireworks and actual fire that blows out as they walk on court before their matches, which is all part of the spectacle here at the tour finals.
Most of the players love it, some were a bit scared of it.
“I thought it was phenomenal. My favourite was the fire. No, maybe the fireworks. I loved them both. I thought it was great,” said Williams.
Eugenie Bouchard added: “I felt like the entrance was huge and quite dramatic. I think it was great. Just felt like a party on the court.”
It’s no surprise though that the quiet and understated Simona Halep was a bit taken aback by the grand proceedings.
“I was afraid a little bit about the sound (of the fireworks),” said the Romanian.
“Down there was amazing because everything was dark. I couldn’t see the people in the crowd. It was something special. You never see this during the normal tournaments.”
