French Open 2012: Serena Williams Will Prove Doubters Wrong

Serena Williams is an assassin.

While the all-world tennis player is 30 years old, she’s still a threat to be the last women standing in the 2012 French Open. While Williams isn’t the same physical force she was in her prime, she’s still an elite competitor—a champion that would be downright foolish to underestimate.

Williams hasn’t won a singles Grand Slam since the 2010 Wimbledon. Her recent slump isn't the result of a decline in ability, though. Physical setbacks ranging from hematoma, to a pulmonary embolism to foot injuries have held her back over the past couple years.

But now she’s back to being fully healthy and fully focused. Allan Kelly of Yahoo! Sports reported that Williams is confident going into Roland Garros. She said:

"

I think in general I have much better commitment in tennis. I just am really 100 percent. I love being on the court now. I love every moment. This is what I live for. After going through everything that I went through, I really kind of appreciate every moment more, especially being out on the court.

"

Translation: Brace for a relentless onslaught.

Williams is 17-0 on clay this season. Her incredible run on the surface skyrocketed her up the world rankings to No. 5. During Williams’ streak, she knocked out the likes of Caroline Wozniacki and Victoria Azarenka.

Another one of her 2012 victims—a favorite that won’t be able to dodge the wrath of a Serena onslaught—is the No. 2-seeded Maria Sharapova. According to ESPN, Sharapova said of Williams going into the tournament:

"

She's such an experienced player that has been under so many different circumstances and achieved so much in her career. When she's fit, she's extremely strong on the court and hits a very powerful ball. That makes her very dangerous.

"

Very dangerous is an understatement.

If Williams fails to triumph in her second French Open, the injury bug bit her.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

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