Former world No. 5 Daniela Hantuchova says that had it not been for the Williams sisters, she likely would have posted better Grand Slam results. The Slovakian will face Serena Williams in the third round of the Australian Open. Williams is 8-1 lifetime against Hantuchova and has won six of their seven major meetings. Hantuchova's sole win over world No. 1 Serena came at the 2006 Australian Open. Hantuchova is 1-10 against Venus Williams, including five Grand Slam defeats.
“They kind of ruined my Grand Slam career, especially the years when I was playing really well I always had to play her or Venus,” Hantuchova told TENNIS.com. “The only time I made the [Grand Slam] semis was [at the Australian Open] in 2008 when I didn't have to play either of them in the quarters. I think I had chances to go deeper back then, as well as I was playing. It wasn't easy."
Hantuchova said Serena's serve is the primary reason for her dominance.
“About 80 percent,” Hantuchova said of the impact Serena's serve has on her success. “When she’s on it’s like a man's serve. Her power is incredible and she really serves well when she needs to.”