Wimbledon is fast approaching, and most are in agreement that the women’s field at this year’s tournament is much more open than in the recent past.  Traditional favorites have either suffered early losses on the grass or else have been absent altogether from the lawns these last two weeks.  But one of the biggest contributing factors to the underlying sense of openness stems from the fact that Serena Williams, typically a universal favorite at any event she enters, looks more than a little vulnerable.

A number of tongues started wagging with talk of the American’s vulnerability after Williams was unceremoniously sent packing in the second round of Roland Garros by Spaniard Garbine Muguruza.  At least one article even went so far as to suggest that the defeat marked the end of her era of dominance.  Such sentiment is likely overkill, and those who underestimate the resilience of a veteran champion do so at their own peril.  That said, there is no denying that 2014 has been a disappointment for Williams by her own lofty standards.  She has endured some surprising losses in addition to her early exit in Paris, so if she hopes to avoid falling into a downward spiral, she needs to put together a deep run at Wimbledon. 

A strong result would aid the world No. 1 in rebuilding her formerly invincible aura, which could be a difference-maker in matches later in the season.  There are now more women on tour who can hit big enough to hang with Williams from the baseline.  They are not afraid to take it to her and bully her around the court when the opportunity presents itself.  Successfully executing those kinds of opportunities, however, becomes much more difficult if the player is to some degree in awe of the opponent on the other side of the net.  Unfortunately for Williams, she has lost a large part of the fear factor that induced that kind of awe. But a good showing at the All England Lawn Tennis Club could change that situation.

Still, it is the American and her own self-belief that would benefit most from a solid result at the year’s third major.  Throughout the majority of her career, Williams has been considered one of the greatest competitors in the sport.  On multiple occasions, she has managed to claw her way to victory, even if she was on the brink of defeat.  Those were never pretty matches, often containing displays of anger from Williams, but they were still comebacks made possible in part by the fact that she simply refused to lose. 

Those trademark traits were missing in the loss to Muguruza a month ago.  Serena’s anger at performance was predominantly replaced by disgust and frustration.  Her characteristic fighting spirit was replaced by traces of panic, and in the end, resignation.  Doubts seemed to have settled into her mind, and she must rediscover her faith in her game to see her to the finish line.

If ever there was a place for Williams to rediscover that faith, it is on the lawns of Wimbledon.  The grass suits her game, and she moves well on the surface.  She also knows what it takes to win there, having won multiple singles and doubles titles at SW19 over the course of her illustrious career.  And it was at Wimbledon two years ago where Williams bounced back from a devastating loss at Roland Garros.  She went on to take the title and essentially rule the women’s game for the next 18 months. 

Serena now arrives in London at a similar crossroads.  Time will tell if she is able to once again use Wimbledon as a springboard to dominance, or if it will prove one more sign that she is a champion in decline.  But if anyone is capable of bouncing back to bigger and better things, it is Serena Williams.