Admittedly, the story of Linz and Serena Williams is not one characterised by great success. Nevertheless, it is a very special one. That of the most successful female tennis player of all time.

Her successes are unrivalled: 23 Grand Slam titles in singles, 14 in doubles with her sister Venus, 319 weeks as world number one and four Olympic gold medals.

Even more impressive, however, is the aura that surrounds Serena. She is the centre of attention in every stadium, in every room she enters. Her strength of nerve is just as impressive as the unique combination of power and precision that she has brought to the court like no other.

However, she was unable to do so in Linz as she had a difficult season characterised by injuries and illness. She lost to the Russian qualifier Alina Jidkova in the round of 16. Williams was asked at the time whether she had ever thought about giving up. „I hate giving up and I didn't want to do that to the crowd either. I just couldn't do it,“ said the then 23-year-old American, adding: „I'll be back next time. It would only be fair to come back,“ she promised. But nothing came of it: in 2010, she was supposed to electrify the crowds again for the 20th anniversary. But nothing came of it. Her comeback was planned in Linz after a three-month break due to a foot injury. However, this made itself felt again during training and Williams had to cancel at short notice.

Nevertheless, the aura of the great Serena Williams also fascinated the fans in Linz.