PARIS (FRANCE) – Tennis sensation Serena Williams has said that she finds it strange having to stay in a hotel during the French Open despite having an apartment in Paris. But she is maintaining a positive attitude as she chases her record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title.
Unlike the US Open which allows players to stay in private accommodation, those taking part in the French Open are required to stay in two designated hotels.
In the US Open, Serena had rented a house near Flushing Meadows.
“It’s definitely weird. This has always been my home away from home. I always loved being here,” Serena said on Saturday.
“It has been really different for me staying at a hotel when I’m like, ‘Oh, this is what we normally do’. I guess it’s a must.”
The claycourt Grand Slam this year was shifted from its May-June slot to the end of September because of the virus.
“I hate the cold. I’m from Los Angeles and I live in Florida. For half my life I’ve never seen snow. Cold weather and me do not mix. That’s my Achilles’ heel,” she said.
“But I’m dealing with it. I’m having a positive attitude about it.”
