Serena insists pressure not a factor in Grand Slam bid

Serena Williams of the U.S. speaks during a news conference at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center ahead of the 2015 U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, August 27, 2015. Play begins at the U.S. Open on August 31. REUTERS/Mike Segar

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Serena Williams said on Thursday she is treating the upcoming U.S. Open just like any other, even though she is well aware of the historical impact the year's final grand slam may have.

The three-times defending champion enters the Aug. 31-Sept. 13 tournament in New York as the odds-on favourite to win and become the first player in 27 years to complete a Grand Slam by capturing all four majors in one season.