World number one Serena Williams admitted that her struggle to overcome Sara Errani in the Fed Cup made her realize that she is not completely ready for the clay-court season.
Although Serena claimed a 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-3 triumph over the dogged Italian, the US were relegated to World Group II after incurring a straight sets doubles defeat against Errani and Flavia Pennetta of Italy.
Reflecting on her performance, the 19-time Grand Slam champion said that it had been a big eye opener, adding that she was totally not as ready for the clay-court season as she thought she would be, Stuff.co.nz reported.
Serena, who is bidding for her 20th Grand Slam title at the upcoming French Open, also said that she has to play and be ready to hit a thousand shots in order to reach her prime form during the second Grand Slam event of the year.