Williams relaunches career with ninth Grand Slam title (Feature)

By Bill Scott Sep 8, 2008, 6:13 GMT

   New York - Serena Williams has come full circle with a third US Open title earned nine years after her first of nine majors and counting.

   The venue for her initial 1999 success was also the massive Ashe stadium at Flushing Meadows with the teenager beating Martina Hingis nearly a decade ago.

   Williams, soon to turn 27, enters the remainder of her autumn WTA season invigorated after lifting another honour with a 6-4, 7-5 defeat of Jelena Jankovic.

   In addition, the American returned to world number one status for the first time in five years.

   'The title is the important thing, number one is an added bonus,' said the delighted winner. 'I've always said that if I win tournaments, (it will come). I can't believe I'm number one, it's been so long.  It's kind of weird.'

   Williams looks back fondly on all of her major success. '1999 was so special because I just felt I was going to win it.

   'It was my first Grand Slam, so you can't really take that away. It's like your first one is so special, and, you know I won doubles that year, too.'

   Williams paused to consider her latest accomplishment after a tough fortnight in New York. 'This is cool, because I'm at number 9 (Grand Slam singles title).

   'I'm pushing the doors closer to double digits, which obviously I want to get to. I feel like my game has gotten a lot better and I've improved.

   'Each one is so special.'

   Williams said that she is embarking up on 'a new career.'

   'I feel so young and so energised to play every week and to play every tournament. I feel like there's just so much that I can do in my career yet, and I've never felt like I've played my best tennis.'

   Williams sees her next goal as helping her sister Venus back into the elite. 'We have to get back to one and two,' she said of the sibling act.

   'I want to be number one and I'm pretty sure she wants to be number one. She's playing great, she has a great opportunity.'

   The repeat champion already has her eye on future goals: 'I'm at nine because I'm pushing for ten, and I feel like I can do it.

   'I want to get double digits.'