BRINDISI, Italy — Having learned to play on rock-hard cement in Compton, California, Serena Williams could understandably be excused if she didn't like the slow, red clay courts of Europe.
After all, Williams has won only two her 19 Grand Slam titles on clay.
For a variety of reasons, though, at this point in her career the top-ranked player has a special affinity for the dusty courts derived from crushed red brick.
"Actually clay is my favorite surface," Williams said Friday as she prepared to lead the United States against Italy in the Fed Cup playoffs.