When the phrase “Jordan Year” is mentioned, it references the number Michael Jordan wore that many use to celebrate their age of turning 23. For one athlete it can be the continuation of a historic career.
Catching 22
It was summer in July 2016 and the third Grand Slam of the year: Wimbledon. Nationally ranked Serena Williams was the defending champion from the previous year taking the court against Angelique Kerber in the championship match. The tennis nation knew what was at stake, Williams was on the verge of catching 22. With a win, she would equal Steffi Graf’s Open-Era record of 22 major singles titles.
And Serena did just that. 
One final hit over the net in London and Williams fell to the grass in triumph with a 7-5, 6-3 victory. She rose doing her infamous twirl, but instead flashed two fingers on each hand representing the milestone she had reached.
New Year, New Beginnings
It’s been six months since the win and Williams still remains at 22. A chance at the 2016 US Open was short lived as she lost to Czech tennis player Karolina Pliskova in the semifinals, 6-2, 7-6. 
Now it’s a new year and the Grand Slams are back in rotation. 35-year-old Serena is back in action ranked currently as No. 2, Kerber at No. 1, looking to surpass Graf with 23 titles and move forward to taking on the next historic milestone: Margaret Court’s all-era record of 24 titles.
All Williams has to do is win two Grand Slams to tie and three to have the record of Grand Slam singles titles period by men and women.
The Obstacle Course
The only person that can truly defeat her is herself. Through sickness in health and unexpected injuries, Williams has pushed on. The biggest reason that she could possibly fail is her age. 35 may not be old to many, but in tennis years it is. Many up and coming women tennis athletes are younger and quicker, which could be a huge disadvantage. Some of her past opponents who have defeated her are still young and in their prime: Kerber (28), Pliskova (24) and Garbine Muguruza (23). But nothing stops this future legend from picking up the pieces and going back into each tournament after a loss with a clear mind.
With keen focus and a determination anything is possible for Serena Williams. Catching 23 may be the first focus of others, but for the Compton, California native it’s playing the game as not the greatest female athlete, but simply the greatest athlete of all time period.
