US Open 2014: Serena Williams ‘excited’ after reaching last eight

Serena Williams could not hide her delight after booking her place in the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time this year at the US Open.

The top seed sealed a 6-3 6-3 victory over Kaia Kanepi of Estonia at Flushing Meadows to progress to the last eight after a largely disappointing season.

Now I’m more relaxed. I feel like I don’t have to win any more.

Serena Williams

Williams said: “I never thought it [reaching the quarter-finals] would be so exciting (smiling). It feels good.

“Obviously I don’t want this to end. But I’m just happy that I’m able to be performing a little better at the end of the year.”

The 32-year-old went on to reveal that she feels more “relaxed” as she approaches the twilight years of her career.

“I’m a perfectionist, I always want to be the best, do the best,” she continued.

“I think I put a lot of pressure on myself to do well, particularly in the Slams, to do really well.

“I had a couple nagging injuries that definitely didn’t help. But other than that it was just that.

“Now I’m more relaxed. I feel like I don’t have to win any more. I’ve had a wonderful career. Tennis has given me so much, things I would have never expected in my life.

“I feel honoured to even be a part of such a wonderful sport. So I think ultimately that really helps me to be able to be more relaxed.”