Serena: Very soon the next generation will start winning

Serena Williams has calmed concerns the next generation of WTA players are not breaking through to challenge for grand slam titles.

The world number one booked her Wimbledon semi-final place on Tuesday with a straight-sets win over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and is joined by Elena Vesnina, Angelique Kerber, as well as her sister Venus.

All four players are over the age of 28 and that had led to some to question why the future stars are not going deep into major tournaments compared to times gone by.

However, Serena – who made her WTA debut at 14 and won her first grand slam at 17 – does not believe there is anything to worry about.

“I think it’s just different timing,” she said.

“The experienced players are ready to keep winning. They want to keep being great.

“The younger players, I think they’re doing really well, too. It’s just a matter of time.”

Venus’ return to the last four of Wimbledon for the first time since 2009 epitomises the desire the more experienced players have on tour amd Serena continues to be inspired by her older sibling.

“She has a lot of perseverance. She’s a real fighter,” the top seed said. “Like I said, like I always say, it’s super inspiring for me. It’s really great.

“She’s just such a great fighter. With everything she’s been through, I think it’s built a ton of character in her and in me just by being around her.”