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Williams must also make a quick switch from hard court to clay, after an Achilles tendon injury kept her out of the Rome event.
She has come close to winning a major No. 24 on several occasions, reaching the final in four since returning from maternity leave in 2018, but fell short each time.
His most recent bid ended at the hands of his rival Azarenka, who triumphed after taming his nerves in a three-set battle at the US Open earlier this month. Azarenka lost in the final to Osaka of Japan.
Speaking to reporters at Flushing Meadows, Williams said he tried to accept the pressure of chasing records.
“As Billie Jean King said, ‘Pressure is a privilege.’ So I wouldn’t want it any other way,” said Williams, who will be 39 when the French Open women’s singles main draw begins.
“So I try to think how lucky I am to have been in this position and, honestly, to be Serena. It feels strange to say that.”
But Williams’ powerful serve and fearsome setback, which were on full display at Arthur Ashe Stadium, could once again level the field and confirm that she is a perennial contender.
“Like I always said, a lot of girls in the top 10, top 15 have a chance to win a Grand Slam,” Halep, who defeated Williams at Wimbledon in 2019, told reporters this week.
“Roland Garros is very open because it is a clay court, but it is a little bit faster (than other clay courts), so big hitters can easily win it too.”
