Serena Williams not thinking about Steffi Graf’s Grand Slam record

Serena Williams has played down the importance of equalling Steffi Graf‘s Open-era record of 22 Grand Slam titles.

Williams moved on to 21 at Wimbledon last year and would equal the landmark if she successfully defends her title at SW19 this summer.

However, having cruised into the second round with a straight-sets victory over Amra Sadikovic this afternoon, the 34-year-old insists that she is not getting caught up by the thought of catching Graf.

“I think more or less about winning Australia, I think about winning the French Open; didn’t happen. I think about winning Wimbledon. I don’t necessarily think about winning 22,” she told reporters.

“Mentally I’ve been further down than anyone can be. Well, maybe not anyone, but I’ve been pretty low. There’s nothing that’s mentally too hard for me. Obviously [winning major titles] means a lot to me, probably means more to me than to anyone, anyone.

Williams will face compatriot Christina McHale in the second round.