By her own standards, Serena Williams’ 2014 season so far has been a bad one.
So bad that she’s already looking ahead to next year and isn’t focusing on the upcoming US Open, which kicks off on August 25.
The American world No1 failed to advance past the fourth round in any of the three majors this season, and despite her capturing a fourth title of the year in Stanford last week, Williams was unable to see her year in any positive light when she was questioned after her semi-final loss to her sister Venus in Montreal.
“I haven’t been able to get into the quarter-finals of a grand slam this year,” said Serena, who is the defending champion at this month’s US Open.
“At this point, really just looking forward to next year, to be honest.”
Serena then bristled at a reporter’s follow-up question about possibly overlooking the US Open and how this affects her motivation for the upcoming grand slam.
“You’re looking at it way too deep,” she shot back. “You’re making a mountain out of a molehill. I am just saying I’ve had a really disappointing season, especially in grand slams,” she added. “So I am not going to put any pressure on myself.”
Williams has a bye in the first round at Cincinnati this week, and will face the winner of the clash between Sam Stosur and a qualifier.