"In general my expectations are definitely different for the first time in my career," she said.
Regarding her first-round opponent, Maya Joint, Serena acknowledged watching her videos. "Yeah, actually I know her.
I’ve watched some of her videos," she said. She added, "I’m sure she knows my game."
Williams confessed she still experiences pre-match anxiety. "I expect to be nervous.
I was also nervous every single match I ever played in my life," she said. She explained that nerves reflect her passion.
"I think that showed the passion and the love and the care, that I cared about my job, whether it was the first round or the second round or the finals.
I’ve always had some nerves. But then I just dust ’em off, then I move on," she said.
She also addressed comments from players like French Open champion Mirra Andreeva, who expressed relief at avoiding an early matchup.
"Respectfully, it’s not surprising simply because I think anyone that’s done — it’s like the big four coming back, I mean, Novak is still here, but no one would want to play them in their first round.
I can’t think of anyone that would want to do that," said Serena.
She emphasized the tactical unpredictability she brings due to her absence.
"No one knows how my game may or may not have evolved, what to expect, don’t know much.
Those type of opponents are always very difficult to play," she said.
