Serena Williams hails Tiger Woods’ influence as she continues her US Open run as one of three women to qualify for the 16th time (courtesy: AP Photo) Serena Williams has hailed the influence of Tiger Woods on her success at the US Open.
Williams has enjoyed another solid season at the US Open, her fourth title in the last six years.
The world number one and former champion is now the most decorated woman in women’s golf and is seen as the most influential player on the tour.
She has received praise from her coach and father, and also is a guest on CNN, where she said she enjoys the influence of Tiger Woods on her own career.
“He’s been such a wonderful mentor to me,” Williams said on the show. “He has been so supportive of the journey I’ve had through the US Open [in July] and how he believed in me and believed in what I wanted to accomplish as far as my own goals, which is what the US Open really is all about.
“But I’ve been so lucky to have a great dad like that at the beginning and now he’s being able to be a great dad in my entire life. I have to say I love him to pieces.
“I also love the support that he’s given me as a woman, because he’s always been supportive of all of the accomplishments that I’ve had and just the way I’ve worked hard to get to where I’m at. And also [his] support in helping me to see that I was capable and that I can do it, no matter what it is.”
Williams qualified for the US Open for the fifth time on Monday, after holding off a late charge from American player Lexi Thompson in the final group.
She joined Kim Clijsters, Lindsay Davenport and Annika Sorenstam as the first three women to have made the cut in a major.
Williams was in position after Thompson missed a birdie putt on the 18th green on Sunday in the third round.
After losing her opening four holes on Monday, she took full advantage of a mistake from the American, and then responded to a lengthy second round of two bogeys, followed by a three
