Serena Williams has Steffi Graf's record 'in her sights'

By JENNY DEPPER

Serena Williams has been an ace in the tennis arena since they day she stepped onto the court in 1995, and now the 33-year-old superstar tells AOL she has her sights set on a big record.

Specifically, Steffi Graf's professional record of 22 grand slam singles titles.

"It's in my sights. I think my next goal is my next challenge, and the next one and the next one. It's really taking it one at a time," Williams shared. " I think that's something that a lot of people have their eye on for me."

One pro who has his eye on the record for Williams is fellow tennis great, Andre Agassi, who is married to Graf. In February 2015, Agassi said it would be a "beautiful thing to watch" if fellow American, Williams, went on to surpass his wife's record.

"I saw that and I was like, are you sure Andre? That's his wife," Williams joked in response. "I spent a lot of time with Andre this fall, and he was so great. I am glad I got to know him a little better. I feel honored that he said that. He and Steffi both mentioned something, so it was just a big honor for me."

Williams, who is currently ranked the No. 1 singles player in the world, isn't too far off the impressive feat, with 19 grand slam singles titles to her name. "Right now I am really focused on tennis and challenge success and trying to get closer to Steffi Graf. I don't know if it will ever happen, but that's my main goal."

Grand slam glory isn't the only challenge Williams has on her plate, either. She just signed on as a brand ambassador for the Pepsi Challenge.

"I think Pepsi is a classic, great brand to be a part of. To be an ambassador is super exciting -- it's a dream come true really, so I jumped at the opportunity," Williams dished. "This is to commemorate the 40th anniversary. Pepsi is about redefining and not repeating the challenge... and this time it is about life challenges and what that means to you." Williams' partnership with the Pepsi Challenge kicked off on March 11.

Next up, the tennis superstar is expected to make a big showing at the WTA BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.