Serena Williams: 3 Reasons American Star Must Play in More Events This Season

Serena Williams needs to play in more tournaments in 2012. The 27-time Grand Slam champion (13 singles titles) didn't add another major trophy to her résumé last year because of injuries, so she must remain committed all season to make sure her drought doesn't extend for another season.

With that in mind, here are the three most important reasons for her to spend more time on tour.

1. Prepare for Grand Slam events

At this point in her career, Williams only really cares about the biggest events. This season, that includes the four majors and the Olympics. In order to be best prepared for those marquee events, however, she needs to have more on-court time in smaller tournaments.

She's the most dominant player of the modern era, but it's extremely difficult to spend extended periods of time away from the game and expect to roll through majors anyway. A couple warm-up tourneys before each major would go a long way in ensuring she comes out on top at least once.

2. Playing career nearing an end

Williams has never been shy about talking about life after tennis. Most players like to sidestep questions about their future, but she seems to embrace them. Her interest in fashion is one of the things she has talked about a lot as something she'll pursue.

While there's certainly no problem with preparing for future endeavors, she should understand that her tennis career only has a limited shelf life. Fashion will always be there. Until she's officially ready to call it quits, tennis should remain her top priority during the season.

3. Major boost for WTA

When Williams isn't playing, the women's game has a serious lack of star power. Young stars like Caroline Wozniacki and Victoria Azarenka have some pull, but Williams remains the player everybody wants to see on the court.

It wouldn't be fair to expect her to play a full schedule, but there's no reason she can't make a better effort to help out struggling tournaments. The tour could use all the help it can get right now and there isn't a bigger draw than Williams.