Whatâ€™s so different about Roger and Serena?

Serena Williams' US Open defence remains well and truly on track after she dropped just one game in a dominating second round victory over Vania King.

Tennis star Serena Williams. Source: AFP

AT AGE 33, if Roger Federer were to add an 18th grand slam by tournament's end, it would turn this US Open into an instant classic because he's a sentimental favourite two years removed from his last major title, and many have questioned whether he has another one in him.

Serena Williams has won 17 career grand slam titles, fifth most in the history of women's tennis.

If Williams, who will turn 33 on September 26, wins her sixth US Open and third in a row, she will tie all-time greats Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova with 18 grand slam titles. And that accomplishment will be met with a ho-hum "of course she did'' reaction because everyone expects Williams to win.

That unfair expectation is actually a compliment to Williams. But the fact Williams is not held in similar lofty reverence to the active greats such as Federer is curious.

"I feel really appreciated,'' Williams insisted yesterday. "I can attest to that [in] the fact if I lose it's bigger news than if I win. That is a testament to how much people believe in my game and my skill and how good they think I am.''

Is Serena Williams underappreciated? Source: AFP

This is not a comparison of men's and women's tennis, nor is it a comparison of Williams to Federer. But their accomplishments on paper are remarkably similar yet it seems there is a far higher global appreciation for Federer than there is for Williams.

It's not as if Williams, whose 13 grand slam titles playing doubles with her sister, Venus, gives her a total of 30 career slams, has been completely overlooked — she's widely regarded as one of the best players of her time.

But what about the best of all time? Williams must at least be approaching being a part of that conversation.

Commensurate with her accomplishments, you would think there would be more appreciation for what Williams has done in the game than there seems to be, and maybe that's partially her doing.

Williams has had some spotty episodes that have somewhat clouded her accomplishments.

The most recent was the bizarre meltdown in her Wimbledon doubles match this summer when she appeared disoriented and mysteriously withdrew amid a curious claim that she had a "virus". Williams then went three months before speaking publicly about the incident and even then she didn't clear anything up, only shooting down speculation and rumors that she was drunk, on drugs or even pregnant during a recent interview with Sports Illustrated.

The world adores Roger Federer. Source: AFP

In that interview, though, she never actually clarified what happened that day. The occasional flighty moments like these from Williams — Serena being Serena — detract from her greatness and everything she's brought to the game.

Can you imagine what the identity of women's tennis in America would have been the last decade without the Williams sisters? Lost. That's what it would have been.

In a few years — whenever Williams is out of the game and finished collecting grand slams — maybe then her greatness will be appreciated with the reverence it deserves.

Asked if she has a grand slam goal number in mind, Williams said: "No. I never even thought I would have as many as I even have. I never thought this would be me. I never really had a number. Obviously now that things are reachable, I do think of different things. But in the big picture, it's just all an amazing, amazing ride.

"I've had three tries to get to 18, and it hasn't happened, so … we'll see. Hopefully I'll get there one day. I'm kind of stuck right now at 17.''