Serena Williams has revealed that illness almost forced her to pull out of the French Open final.
The American won the 20th Grand Slam of her career on Saturday after beating Lucie Safarova in three dramatic sets.
However, Williams missed practice and press duties the day before the match due to flu-like symptoms.
"Is it the most difficult Grand Slam I've ever won? For sure," she is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "When you have the flu your whole body aches. That's kind of what I have been dealing with.
"I talked to all the doctors here and the physios here. I even told the physio: 'I'm not sure I'm going to be able to play because this is just not looking good'."
Steffi Graf is the only female tennis player in the Open Era with more Grand Slams titles to her name than Williams, winning a total of 22 during her career.
