Tennis: Serena Eyes French Open Trophy

Serena Williams says she can build on her recent good form and win a second French Open title.

The former world number one won in Madrid before having to retire injured in the quarter-finals at the Italian Open – both clay-court tournaments.

When asked if she could win at Roland Garros, the 30-year-old told BBC Sport: “Yes, absolutely.

“I feel really amazing right now and I feel I can do a lot more and I want to do a lot more.”

The world number five added: “I think I’m close to becoming world number one again. My goal is just to be consistent, do the best I can and just win titles.

“If the number one ranking comes with that then bravo. If not then I’m just focused on doing the best I can.”

Grand Slam Serena

Williams’ win in Madrid came courtesy of a final victory over world number one Victoria Azarenka, but the 13-time Grand Slam singles champion says there will be other obstacles for her in Paris.

“I think there’s a lot of depth,” continued Williams. “We have myself back in the top 10, Maria Sharapova and Azarenka – they’re both playing really consistently.

“I’m just glad to be back in the swing of things. I was just really disappointed earlier this year with my injury but now I feel I’m back in it and I can compete with these players.”

Williams has reached the quarter-finals in seven of her last eight visits to Roland Garros but has only got past that stage twice – when she took the title in 2002 and again a year later when she was beaten by Justine Henin in the semi-finals.

However, the French Open is the only Grand Slam singles title Williams has not won at least twice – her only victory coming with a win over sister Venus in the final 10 years ago.

“I feel like Paris is my home,” she added. “I really want to move there, but I don’t want people in America to be disappointed. I really love Paris so much. I’m always there.”