Serena Williams Video: Watch Tennis Star Claim She Doesn't Love Her Sport

With the tennis season's first Grand Slam tournament, the Australian Open, just a couple weeks away, you might think that iconic women's tennis player Serena Williams would be excited. Based on some recent comments she made, though, it doesn't seem that way.

After a convincing victory over Chanelle Scheepers in her first match of 2012, Williams said that she doesn't love tennis or sports in general. While she also said that she can't live without tennis, it's very strange to hear an active professional athlete say something so damning.

It has always been pretty clear that Serena has been more interested in off-the-court ventures such as her fashion line, but there isn't a rule that says somebody can't have multiple passions in life. I guess I always assumed that both fashion and tennis were loves of the younger Williams sister.

While some people may view this as disrespectful to the sport she represents, I think it's a bit refreshing. It's a bit jarring to hear that somebody doesn't love something that they are so dominant at, but if that's how she truly feels, then I give her full marks.

At the same time, though, I feel like she may have made those comments to get a reaction. Serena obviously doesn't like the heavy schedule and she said that she doesn't like working out, but when she wins a big match, the joy always seems to be there.

With that said, I think she loves tennis if the result plays into her favor. She may not love the grind and she may not love to lose, but I think there are aspects of the sport that she does love. We also shouldn't confuse love with passion. Serena clearly has a passion for tennis if she says that she can't live without it and she continues to play.

There must be something that keeps Serena coming back. Perhaps she feels that she has a responsibility to use the talent she was blessed with, but there has to be a reason since she could retire today to pursue her other interests and she would never have to worry about money.

Regardless of these comments and her true feelings, it is easy to tell that Williams wants to win every time she steps on the court, particularly in Grand Slams. Because of that, Serena will likely be the favorite to win the Australian Open on a hard court that complements her power game.