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Serena Williams sounds confident

Nirmal Shekar

‘My preparation has been really good, really positive’

Melbourne: Rather than becoming victims of their own hubris, a handful of great athletes use exaggerated pride as a sort of high octane fuel to carry themselves to lofty heights of achievement. What might seem insufferable solipsism and a puffed up sense of self-importance in lesser mortals comes across as nothing worse than a healthy dose of high self-regard in these special creatures.

If the peerless Muhammad Ali was the most celebrated male member of this species of athlete, then Serena Williams is hardly an unknown female representative of the breed. She wears her pride like a lucky commoner would wear the engagement ring given her by the heir to the throne.

In the event, when Serena says “I am here for me,” as she did at Melbourne Park on Saturday, the self-centredness appears charming rather than offensive. Of course, what the eight-time Grand Slam champion was alluding to was her natural ability to remain oblivious to expectations.

No pressure

“I don’t feel any pressure at all. I am excited to be here. I don’t feel like, Oh my God, I have to win, win, win,” said Serena, world ranked No.7and seeded No.7 in the Australian Open tennis championship which begins here on Monday. “My preparation has been really good, really positive.”

Last year, coming in as the 81st best player in the world following an injury-ridden 2006, Serena beat five seeds on the way to her third Australian title and went on to break into the top 10 in quick time.

Asked if her 2007 performance here was still an inspiration, Serena said, “Yeah, every time I walk down the hall, I see the picture (of herself with the trophy) on the wall, it’s such a good moment, such a good memory.

“I love having the picture on the wall. The difference between then and now is clear to Serena. “You know, last year I was completely under the radar. I mean, absolutely no expectations from anyone and that really made me want to prove everyone wrong.

This year it’s completely opposite where I more or less have a lot of expectations. But I am still here for me more than anything,” said the American.

Serena had no complaints either about the new, blue Plexicushion playing surface or about the weather, which has been rather hot over the last three days.

“I like the surface. I have never been one who can tell the difference on each hardcourt, they all kinda feel alike to me,” said Serena.

Asked if the presence of Justine Henin — who missed this event last year — was a big concern, Serena said, “I don’t necessarily think about my opponents like that. I really just focus on what I need to do right.”

Big concern

A bigger concern, she said, was her sister Venus who is “playing unbelievable.”

Serena also paid tribute to Lindsay Davenport who has made a successful comeback after becoming a mother. “I am speechless. She is my ultimate role model,” she said.

Three years ago here, in a third round contest, Serena played a Grand Slam newcomer who went to make a name for herself. This time, that young woman — Sania Mirza — has a chance to take on Venus Williams in the third round if she makes it past her first two opponents. Sania opens against the Uzbek wildcard Iroda Tulyaganova.

Prakash beaten

In the final qualifying round of the men’s singles on Saturday, India’s Prakash Amritraj was beaten 6-2, 6-4 by Denis Gremelmayr of Germany.

“I started poorly and he was serving big. I never really got into the match,” said Prakash.

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