'˜Impatient' Serena Williams is ready to defend Wimbledon crown

The 34-year-old American sealed a self-described ‘Serena Slam’ last year with her victory over Garbine Muguruza in the All England Club final.

The talk about records does not stimulate Williams though, and she gave clipped responses to much of the questioning she faced, two days out from her opening match against 27-year-old Swiss qualifier Amra Sadikovic, whose first match in a grand slam will be on Centre Court at 1pm on Tuesday.

“This year I don’t feel as much tension as I usually do. Well, there’s some years I haven’t felt any tension either. I’m feeling pretty good. I don’t feel any pressure or stress,” Williams said.

“I think it’s important to learn from every loss that you have. Throughout my whole career I have been able to learn a lot, to come back a much better player.”

“I’m definitely ready to start playing at this point. I’m kind of over-practising every day for two hours, then going to the gym for some time.”