May
Warsaw, Poland
 VENUS WILLIAMS after defeating Denisa Chladkova (6:3, 7:6)
It was a good match. Both - myself and Denisa played very well. Although I don't think that we can compare this match to the one that I played yesterday. Every match is a challenge.
My fitness is getting better and better, but it is definitely not as high as it should be for Roland Garros. But believe me - I will play as good as I can in tomorrow's semifinal, no matter who the opponent will be. I'd prefer to play higher ranked Amelie. I need to work on my volleying before the final. What I was doing today was more massaging the ball th hitting it. There is much more tennis clothes in my Warsaw luggage, than any other. But don't worry - I've got some nice stuff to wear in my wardrobe.
VENUS WILLIAMS after match against Francesca Schiavone (2:6, 6:3, 6:3)
Press conference
About the match:
- Francesca served well and played consistent tennis today. I'm glad to eventually win this one. It was ma matter of pride - 2:6, 1:6 is not the best score, for a player like me.
When I was trailing 2:6, 0:3 I was thinking about what my mother told me - to approach the net and keep the ball in court. So I started to work hard on court to do this. I wasn't scared about my mother's heart during this match. She saw me losing these kind of matches before and she didn't get a heart attack then. It seems to me, that I n the past, these were the kind of matches I would lose.
About her career:
- I wasn't fed up with tennis at any point of my career, my parents had a very good system of teaching us. I didn't know what am I going to do in my life, as a child. My parents made this choice for me. I never wanted to do anything else.
About the voice from the audience:
- I heard a someone, screaming: "Venus I love you", but I think it was a little boy.
About the magazines:
- I don't read tennis magazines at all, there is too much gossip in it. I prefer "Elle", "Vogue" and design magazines like "Architectural Digest".
About polish vodka:
- The zoo keeper told me the difference between "Zubr" and "Zubrowka" [zubr is a Polish bison, zubrowka is a vodka with a picture of bison on bottle].
About her retirement plans:
- I'd like to still travel a lot when I retire from tennis, but I'd like to have more time to see things. I don't think, I'm a type of person who can stay in one place. Even if this place is Florida, which I love.
VENUS WILLIAMS after match vs. Zuzana Ondraskova (6:2, 6:3)
About match vs. Ondraskova:
- It was a little windy, so we both had problems with the ball, but I think I played a good match today.
About match vs. Magdalena Grzybowska lost in 1997:
- I'm trying to forget about it! I was so young - it was my first Wimbledon. We were waiting for five days to play - the weather was so bad. I remember that Magda played a very good match.
About the coaches:
- I've got two of them: mum and dad. I will never get rid of them. Unless they get rid of me...
About the crowd:
- I was concentrated on the match, so I don't really know if the crowd was rooting for me or for my opponent. I think that people loved all nice shots, from both sides of the court.
About the clay court:
- Only thing I have to remember, playing on clay is that the surface is a little slow, so my opponent has more time to get to the ball. I try not to slide too much on court, to get the proper position to hit the ball.
About the most beautiful tennis style:
- I never thought about it... It's nice to watch Davenport, she hits the ball so clean, she plays with the grace and keeps the rhythm. I like the way Hantuchova moves. I hope I don't look to bad on court too...
About the motivation:
- I like, what I'm doing - that's where my motivation comes from. Lost matches give me strength to work harder. One day I'd like to look back on my career without a feeling that I could do much more if I only worked harder.
About this year's goals:
- I'd like to work on my technique. It didn't exist last year. But first of all I'd like to play. Just play.
About new clothing line:
- For Roland Garros orange color collection is prepared, it looks a little like a clay court. One thing is clear for me: without the best clothes I cannot play the best tennis (laugh).
About Warsaw:
- I was see sighting yesterday. I've seen all the Embassy buildings at Ujazdowskie Str. I've seen the old town, but I really loved the zoo. I felt like a little girl. I love all the animals.
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Fed Cup
April 26
4/26/03 8:39 PM
Q. It seemed like after that second game you just started perking up.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, I wanted to get a break right away. The tension and the competition is different in the Fed Cup. I really, really wanted to play well for the team and not just for me. So I really believe my intensity level was at a different level because of that. I'm hoping I can take this on to my other matches, too.
Q. You pretty much did everything right today - you served well, you returned really well, pretty aggressively. Were you pretty happy overall?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I was very happy because I've been working very hard in practice with Billie and Zina, been working on a lot of things. It's paid off in the match. I was very excited.
Even though the score line looked easy, she played really well. I had to hit my winners, I had to push her out of the way. I had to make her make the forced error. Because the court was fast, she was taking advantage of that with the serve and volleys, and coming in.
So I think toward the end there, I was able to get a few free points.
Q. Seems like you took her heart away when she had the 40-love lead and you came back and took that game.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Really?
Q. Do you remember that particular game?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I was trying to watch her body language. But more than anything, I was really, really interested in really staying focused the whole time, which I thought I did well, and just getting the win for the team (laughing).
Q. I thought you did excellent. Did you control her rhythm?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Well, maybe. Every player has a rhythm they like to play at. Once they get out of that rhythm, then that's tough. But I can play fast, slow. I can't really say I exactly have a rhythm because I'm always playing fast. So if anything, I guess I don't let players get into a rhythm.
Q. What did you think of the atmosphere of the arena?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Oh, wonderful. From the very first point, it was great. I never played in a place like that before. It was really, really good. You can just tell people are so excited to have tennis here in Lowell. It's very, very nice. Everywhere you go, there's Fed Cup posters - the bookstore, museum, went to the spa, everybody knows about Fed Cup.
Q. Could you sense her getting frustrated as the match wore on?
VENUS WILLIAMS: A little bit in the second set I did feel like she was, because it's hard. When you're playing, you try to say, "Okay, this is not working, let's go to something else." You try to figure out what the answer is.
She probably got to the point where she couldn't find an answer and didn't know what to do.
Q. Compared to the previous times you had played her, were there any changes or anything?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I remember playing her once. I don't know if I've ever played her again. But I think she tried to play a lot faster today than the times I've seen her play and the time that I did play against her.
Q. Say that again?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I think she tried to play faster today, to really take it to me, just come out and take the match.
Q. You like to play fast, don't you?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Fast, slow... If someone plays slow, maybe it's harder because they come in. If they play fast, maybe they're not used to that. When I concentrate on my game, if someone beats me that day, they played better.
Q. You hit a slam-dunk-Pete Sampras-type overhead.
VENUS WILLIAMS: I know (laughing). All of a sudden, my legs went up and there I was. I wasn't even thinking about it. I just did it. That was so much fun. You really have to time it. I wasn't even thinking about timing it. I just jumped up. That was nice.
Q. Given the fans are here to see you two and victory is assumed, do you feel additional pressure to put on a show?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Oh, no, no, no, no. Going into the match, like the first game, I was down 15-40. It was very, very even for the first four games.
I think what made the difference is my week of practice, of course, and I was really, really, really determined to get the win for the team. I really wanted to do my part and start out well. It's so much easier for the second player to know there's a little lead there.
That's really what I wanted to do. I knew she was going to come out and really try to play because I've played Fed Cup before, I know how people come out and play very well.
Q. Have you made a commitment beyond this weekend for Fed Cup?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I really want to play next time assuming that we're able to win. Of course it's 1-love now. But assuming that we do get the win, I would love to play the next one.
Q. What is it about this experience that's sold you on the fact that, "Hey, I want to come back"?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I just had so much fun with the whole team. I've learned so much from Zina and Billie. I've been able to really work hard and focus. I don't have any excuse of why I can't show up to practice (laughter)...like at home, so...
I really just had a great time. I really feel like I've grown as a player, and I don't really want to give up this kind of experience.
Q. Do you have to recruit your sister into this?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Well, she's a separate person, so I don't know what she'll do. But I'm sold. I love it. I love playing for the team. It's an unbelievable feeling. Even though the score line was not as difficult today, I felt very, very excited. I was very excited because it wasn't just for me, it was for the team. We had a lead. It was great.
Q. What have you learned this week? You said you learned a lot. What have you learned, specifically?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I think that Billie and Zina, they have a whole lot of experience. Even if I don't quite agree with something or I have a different way of doing it this week, whatever they said, I did it right away and I found out that it was correct. I think that's helped a lot.
Also, it's very, very helpful to hear it, hear someone say the same thing, but in a different way. Because I've been working with my coaches for years and years, and sometimes it can just go in one ear and out the other ear, you don't really hear what they're saying.
Today, or this week, I've had to listen up and do it right. I think that has been very, very good for me.
Q. This is something you'll carry on beyond the Fed Cup?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Oh, for sure. I have to, I really do, in order to play well. More than anything, I'm having fun. I had a lot of fun out there. Sometimes I was ready to smile - but I knew I'd lose focus - because I was doing things that I'd done in practice and we talked about. I was ready to laugh and give someone a high-five, but it wasn't time for that (laughter).
Q. What about in terms of getting your game to the next level? I know your level is high, obviously. You said there are things you can carry on.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Well, my level's pretty good, as a player. I think it's just the small things like getting more first serves in or more placement or a deeper second serve or more balls in play. I think Billie and Zina understand it's the small things that take you above and beyond the rest of your competition.
So that's what I've been working on this week. I don't even know what the other players have been working on. But each session, even when I'm hitting with the other players, is very individualized. So you get a lot of attention and it's nice.
Q. Was that as well as you've served in a long time? If it was, was it a direct result of Zina and Billie?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Even before I got here, I'd really been working on my toss, to control it, because it's been difficult for me to keep that ball in the same place, and it throws off my serve.
But, yeah, we've been working on it, and that's especially one specific thing that's helped. I do want to serve better. I've been working on my serve the last two weeks a lot, and it's a really key part to my game. I win a lot of points off of it. I feel if I can serve even better, it's gonna just help me even more.
Q. How much do you know about Czech Republic? Can you find it on a map?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I don't know a lot about the Czech Republic. I remember I was watching this program on TV (laughing). It was about the Golen. So I know a little bit about that. I don't know a lot. I do know that I really, really, really want to go to Prague, but there's not a high enough level tournament. Maybe one day if we play the Czech Republic again, it will be in Prague. But if I have some time off, a couple of days...
Q. What about the rest of the weekend in terms of this tie, what's gonna happen, do you think?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Well, I'm gonna go out there now, support Serena in the singles, and tomorrow, I'm the second singles match. Hopefully, Serena will get the win today and we'll have a good start for tomorrow. But it goes by fast, this weekend.
Q. You looked so good out there in that uniform.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Which uniform, the USA?
Q. The dress itself, the red, white and blue motif. You looked so great. The American Davis Cup players look like bums (laughter). Do you have to get your sponsor to agree to make that sort of dress?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I'm not sure exactly the rules. Because everyone around me, like the contacts from Reebok, they make sure they get the right apparel, so they don't contact me directly. I do know they wanted...
Q. Reebok made your dress?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yes, this is my US Open dress, though. I think Serena's is completely different, it's got the colors on it. It's no problem. I think they wanted us to wear certain colors, but I don't quite remember. Especially for the doubles, they want you to look the same. Hopefully, they'll approve of the outfits.
Q. You're way ahead of the men.
VENUS WILLIAMS: (Laughing).
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2003 NASDAQ-100 OPEN
KEY BISCAYNE, FLORIDA
March
M. SHAUGHNESSY/V. Williams
7-6, 6-1
An interview with:
VENUS WILLIAMS
THE MODERATOR: First question for Venus, please.
Q. Does it cushion the disappointment a little bit the way you fought at the end at least?
VENUS WILLIAMS: It's always disappointing to lose but, you know, I think she played real well and stayed in there. You know, she hit a lot of good shots.
Q. Do you think you underestimated her at all?
VENUS WILLIAMS: No, not at all. Not at all. I had a pretty good start. You know, it's impossible to win every match. I tried. But I couldn't seem to get the ball to go in today.
Q. Was wind a huge factor?
VENUS WILLIAMS: The wind? No.
Q. How well do you think you played?
VENUS WILLIAMS: So and so. I think that if I played really well, then there was a really good chance that I would have won the match for sure. But more than anything, I think, you know, she played some real good tennis.
Q. How close did you feel like you were to digging out of that hole there at the end?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I definitely felt that if I could have won a game or two, you know, I would have had a nice chance to get back into the match. And, you know, all I can do is just give her some credit for playing well.
Q. You saved eight matchpoints. Were you thinking, "I can definitely do this" by that point, at that point?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Well, I always felt that I could do it until I ran out of time. Then, of course, this is the end, so all I can do is just prepare for the clay court season now.
Q. How do your knees feel?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Feeling good.
Q. Was Serena here watching you?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I don't think so.
Q. How different is she than when you've played her in the past? She's obviously bulked up. Is that noticeable in her game?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I think she's the same.
Q. What is your clay court schedule?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Just going to go over to Europe in the beginning of May.
Q. So nothing here?
VENUS WILLIAMS: No.
Q. But Fed Cup?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yes, I am in Federation Cup.
Q. You lose so infrequently. Is it a little shocking to yourself when you do?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Sure, because I'm not preparing to lose when I'm on the practice court or in the match. I'm not playing to hope to win; I do have the expectation, of course, that the match will be a win for me. More than anything, I think, you know, once I have a loss, then I'm able to go out and work harder. So it's just back to the drawing board.
Q. Do you go back to work now at the design firm, or do you hang around and watch Serena?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I'm going to practice, pretty much.
Q. Can you enjoy a match like that? I mean, obviously it's more enjoyable if you're winning. But a match where you really have to fight, someone's making you play better and better as the match goes on, can you enjoy that?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Sure, I enjoy to compete. That's the whole thing of tennis. If you don't like to compete, then it's not a good sport to be in.
3/22
V. WILLIAMS/E. Gagliardi
6-3, 6-2
An interview with:
VENUS WILLIAMS
THE MODERATOR: Questions for Venus, please.
Q. I loved watching you play today.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Thanks.
Q. You were running so well.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Thanks.
Q. Do you enjoy coming in on the short balls?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, I think it's a key point to playing good tennis. More than anything, when I'm out there on the court, I just try to say, "Play the ball," and just play tennis. A lot of times that includes getting up to the short ones.
Q. You do that awfully well.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Thanks.
Q. Is it your combination of short followed by the overhead or the other way around?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Well, I guess I'm quite good at that because of my height. I can kind of reach all the balls with ease, it's a real blessing.
Q. How hard is it not to look ahead a couple matches?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Oh, I haven't really even seen the draw yet. I haven't really been around. I kind of get here for the match and play. There's no draws up in the locker room, and I haven't been up to the players' lounge or anything.
Q. I guess you'll watch your sister's match tonight?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I think I play tomorrow. I think there's another match tomorrow, so I'll actually go and recuperate.
Q. So that would be three in a row for you?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Uh-hmm.
Q. I know you were saying two in a row is normal. Is three in a row normal?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah.
Q. Do you like that better, do you get in more of a rhythm not skipping a day?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Oh, I don't even know. I'm just playing when I'm on the schedule.
Q. I was relieved today you won quickly. I was afraid the rain was going to interrupt the last game. When it's this cloudy, does that get into your thinking?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, I was just really trying to be real consistent. The match was going over an hour. I wanted to really just play well in the games and not lose serve so that did happen.
Q. You play the winner of the Maleeva-Shaughnessy match. Can you talk about those two players, your experiences.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, I played both of them quite a few times, so I should be ready.
Q. Anything about their games in particular?
VENUS WILLIAMS: They're both real good. I think they've both been Top 20 in the past and probably Top 20 now. So I'm definitely going to be on top of my game.
Mar. 22
V. WILLIAMS/S. Asagoe
6-3, 6-1
An interview with:
VENUS WILLIAMS
THE MODERATOR: First question for Venus, please.
Q. Can you talk about your serve? It was not your best friend today, especially in that first set. What adjustments did you make as the match went along?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, my serve was, I think it's just my toss is not in the right spot, I'm not able to execute very well. But normally I'm not hitting a serve or making mistakes when the point really counts, making the errors when I'm up or winning or that kind of thing. But always, it's very painful to lose a game.
Q. Like on a double-fault?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Especially my service game. Was it a double-fault?
Q. On the one, yeah.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Oh, I never do that. That was bad.
Q. You seemed to be cruising through the second set until the fourth game. Then you had the breakpoints against you.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, I think I just lost focus. To be honest, she was playing real good. She was trying to move me -- from what I could gather, she was trying to move me around, make me run. And I suppose trying to win the match, too.
But I'm glad things went my way today.
Q. You still won that set 6-1. Did that particular game, the fourth game, affect your rhythm at all?
VENUS WILLIAMS: No, not really because it's nothing I could do about it once I'd lost it. So I had to just break.
Q. Did you know before you went on court that you were scheduled to play again tomorrow at three o'clock?
VENUS WILLIAMS: No. This is okay with me, though.
Q. That's fine. Presumably, you were quite keen to get this first game over as quickly as possible?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yes, it seems like I've been waiting forever to play this first round. So finally -- or second round. Finally, I'm in the third. This is quite normal for me, or any tennis player, to play back-to-back like this. Actually, I'm fortunate that I'm not playing doubles also.
Q. Could I just ask you, do you feel that your victory, your title at Wimbledon, is the most prestigious of your titles? If so, why Wimbledon?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Well, Wimbledon is the most prestigious for tennis, but I think for me, my best titles were the Olympics.
Q. What do you feel about Wimbledon that makes it a little more special than, say, the other three?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I suppose the history and I suppose that's where the game started. Throughout the last 100 years, it's been the most prestigious title for a player to win. So it's just tradition, I suppose.
But any title's quite good for me.
Q. Do you feel that maybe it might be the ultimate in your mind if you didn't have the Olympics as well, that Wimbledon title of yours?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Oh, it was my first large title. It was -- I remember the year I won, I was thinking I had no other choice but to win the tournament. I really, really wanted to. So it happens. And I definitely took some great memories from that. Once you win one, you always know how to win it again.
Q. Do you think that's going to be a pretty big goal for a couple of months down the track?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, for sure, but my next biggest goal is definitely tomorrow's match.
Q. I would think that when you get to the finals of four consecutive Grand Slams and finish second that you could either get discouraged or get toughened. People are talking about seeing a fire in your eyes. I was just wondering if you could talk, you haven't chosen the first option. It seems like you've, you know, you're rising to the challenge. Has that been easy, hard?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, all the finals that I didn't win, I didn't deserve to win them. I didn't play the best that day. I was beaten by a better player. It's not easy. Nothing's given to you, especially these Grand Slams. So... I was real happy to, of course, be in the finals. I was real happy that Serena won, but also I felt sorry for myself, too.
Q. It's been a great day for American women players today. I think six American women have won today.
VENUS WILLIAMS: I saw zero results. I didn't see who won or lost today.
Q. Right, Sarah Taylor beat the 11th seed. Carly Gullikson has had a good run in this tournament as well. How encouraging is that for you and Serena to see a few of the other young American girls coming through as well?
VENUS WILLIAMS: It's always real nice to have a good -- good Americans coming through because it's good for the Federation Cup and also for when the Olympics come around for USA.
But more than anything, I think we're more focused on our results. I'm not always familiar with the new girls. All of a sudden, they're ranked number 50 in the world and I've never seen them before, so I also have to keep up with who's coming up, too.
Q. A lot of the men are shooting up the rankings as well. Looks like good times for American tennis?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Everybody's good.
Q. If this tournament didn't fall on the date it does, would you and Serena be going to the Academy Awards, or would you watch it and critique everyone's dresses, and Serena, with her acting aspirations, would be interested in it, I would imagine?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Would we go to the Academy Awards? I guess. I don't know. Maybe if I was invited, but...
Q. I think you could probably wrangle an invitation.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Probably could sneak in, back door. But I'd much rather be here. If I wasn't here, it would mean I would be ranked 300 in the world and somewhere struggling in a qualifying match or in South America fighting, so... I'm quite happy to be here. But if it was another week, I would have a nice week off. I don't know.
Q. Real quickly, what was the highlight for you of that NAACP luncheon?
VENUS WILLIAMS: The whole awards show was wonderful. It was the best one I've been to. Most awards shows aren't exactly entertaining, but that one was. I enjoyed all the people that presented, all the people that got awards, I enjoyed the entertainment, I enjoyed getting my award. It was real nice. I got to meet a lot of nice people. More than anything, it was a real inspiration.
Q. When you think of people who have won that before, what was that like for you?
VENUS WILLIAMS: It was real nice. I think it was one of our -- Serena and I, our highest honors. It was real, real nice. A good one for me and my family.
Q. You said you met a lot of people. Was there anyone in particular?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Well, Serena always meets the most people. I usually miss out every time. But...
Q. Do people just gravitate toward her?
VENUS WILLIAMS: You know what, someone always pulls me aside and starts talking to me and, you know, a little bothering me maybe. Then, everybody else, Serena gets to meet everyone. That's what happens every time, so...
At least she told me about it.
Q. How was Serena today?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I didn't really see her today. I went to practice in the morning, then I went to my room and I didn't see her until this afternoon before I left to go to practice. She had her music on, so I guess she's doing better.
But I suppose when you're having a virus, it's making you a little bit weaker. So possibly you can't run as fast or have the stamina. But I think she's doing real good. Mentally, she's got it, so she's going to keep fighting because she really wanted to play I think.
March 20, 2003
An interview with:
DOUBLEMINT "FEEL THE GREEN" PRESS CONFERENCE WITH
VENUS WILLIAMS
 THE MODERATOR: I just wanted to thank you guys all for coming and let you know we're here today to launch the "Doublemint Feel the Green Auction" for charity. It's for the Tom Joyner Foundation. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the Tom Joyner Foundation, which is a charity which provides scholarships for historically black universities and colleges.The program will launch on Monday on Doublemint.com. There's a lot of really fun stuff that's going to be up for auction on Doublemint.com that Venus will tell you a little bit about, including a private tennis lesson with Serena, some outfits that are going to be worn here at the NASDAQ-100 Open, as well as the French and Wimbledon. I will pass it over to Venus. Before, I just wanted to note, unfortunately, Serena wasn't able to join today. But we're really, really excited about this program. Venus will tell you a little bit more about it.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Okay. I guess it's my turn to speak. I'm really excited to be partnering with Doublemint. We've done some really, really good programs. They're actually, with Wrigley's, sorry. I've got the Doublemint T-shirt on. I think it's really been a lot of fun. I've been able to feel proud and good about myself because of the programs that they do have. Serena and I feel really good to be able to launch these kinds of initiatives and to be able to bring attention to these kinds of things. It makes a lot of sense to give back and makes us feel good. So what's going to happen is there are going to be a few outfits that we wear at the NASDAQ and some tennis balls and tennis racquets and huge tennis racquets, also a tennis lesson with Serena, and it's going to benefit the Tom Joyner Foundation. That benefits historically black colleges. I guess you know how I feel about education. It's almost number one in my life. Other than that, I'm ready for any questions you may have.
Q. Why is Serena doing the lesson? Why aren't you doing the lesson?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I guess she's a better teacher (laughter).
Q. Can you tell us a little more about the Tom Joyner Foundation, the sort of things it does?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Well, Tom Joyner, I'm not sure if you guys all know who Tom Joyner is, but he does a really popular morning show here. It's called the "Tom Joyner Morning Show." He's also African American. His foundation benefits a lot of great things. In this case, it's going to go 100 percent of the proceeds directly to scholarships for historically black colleges. I covered the whole...?
THE MODERATOR: Yep.
Q. I wanted to say I'm from a morning show in Miami. The foundation is really doing some fantastic things. How did you decide to team up with Tom specifically?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I think basically Wrigley comes up with the best ideas.
Q. You're like, "Let's jump on it"?
VENUS WILLIAMS: When they make sense, it makes sense. Here I am. I think that for me, education is really important. A lot of times colleges, especially historically black ones, aren't always getting the funding that some of the other colleges do. So it's very important to me.
Q. I think the baseball pitcher Randy Johnson just paid $55,000 to have a private lesson with Andre and Steffi. I was wondering, do you think someone will pay more than that to get that private lesson with Serena?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I hope so.
Q. Would it be worth that?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I think so. Like I said, she's a good teacher.
Q. What makes her a good teacher?
VENUS WILLIAMS: She's patient. She understands the techniques.
Q. Do you have to let them win a few points to make sure the thing's interesting?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I mean, I don't know if they'll exactly want to play a match against her. But they may want some pointers. I guess it's up to how much nerve they have, because even the top players don't want to face Serena Williams (smiling).
Q. Now that you guys are out of the braids, would you consider auctioning off some old beads?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I don't have that many left. I tried to save them, but I think they got, like, caught in the move when I moved out. But, you know, that is a good idea. Next time we should auction the beads, those are like...
Q. Collectibles?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, you know, that's a good way of putting it.
Q. It's about chewing gum, is it?
VENUS WILLIAMS: It's about chewing gum and then a little more. What, did you just get here?
Q. Just arrived (laughter).
VENUS WILLIAMS: Okay. I'll go through it again just for you, Bud.
Q. Sorry, Venus.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Don't worry. Okay. It's the initiative that Wrigley's is launching with Serena and I, with our help. We are going to auction off items starting on Monday, all the way through April 25th. The items will include tennis balls, racquets and tennis bags, tennis dresses. I suppose the climax is a lesson with Serena, a tennis lesson. Someone can bid and get that one also. The bidding is at Wrigley.com.
THE MODERATOR: Doublemint.com.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Wrigley, Doublemint, they link. The funding, 100 percent of the proceeds go to the Tom Joyner Foundation, and the Tom Joyner Foundation, unless you heard that part...?
Q. No.
VENUS WILLIAMS: And you know Tom Joyner?
Q. I'm sorry if my colleagues have heard all of it.
VENUS WILLIAMS: I hope there's a transcript. Tom Joyner is a very popular radio show host. He has his own morning show, and it's syndicated all over the United States. It's my mom's favorite, actually. His foundation is really, really a positive foundation. In this case the proceeds are going to go towards scholarships for historically black colleges.
Q. Very good. Are there any particular schools?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Well, both my sisters went to Howard, so I guess I'm kind of particular to that one, yeah.
Q. I'm a proud Spellman graduate. I want to see some of that money going there. I know last year you guys were very involved with ACE and the Wrigley program, you slugged through all of the applications and essays. Will you be meeting with some of the people as well who receive some of these scholarships?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I don't think that's a provision, exactly. To be honest, I'm not exactly sure how the colleges will award the people who deserve it, but it's going to a good cause.
Q. What do you think you might hopefully raise? Any idea of what sort of target you've set?
VENUS WILLIAMS: No. What do you think?
THE MODERATOR: The goal is $10,000. So that's what we're hoping to get to.
VENUS WILLIAMS: We'll start the bidding high. I guess start -- hopefully, they'll go beyond their wildest expectations.
Q. Venus, in your role as a chewing gum spokesperson, I wonder if you could help with a problem that we have at my soccer club back in Manchester. Manchester United, the coach, manager, is the most successful coach in British football, Alex Ferguson. He has a terrible problem - he chews gum throughout the match and then he spits it out absentmindedly at the end. Do you think that should incur some kind of penalty?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I guess if someone steps on it then twists their ankle, that deserves at least a warning (smiling).
Q. Only if it's not Wrigley's.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Only if it's not Wrigley's (smiling).
Q. Can you talk about how you made Tom's acquaintance? Was it through your mom? Is he a tennis fan? How did you really hook up with him?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Just, to be honest, I mean, I feel like I've kind of known him for a few years because I was always listening to the show. But I met him... Actually, I'm not exactly sure if I did meet him.
Q. Orange Bowl.
VENUS WILLIAMS: It was the Orange Bowl. Was that 2000? Yeah, it was the Orange Bowl, but I met everyone from the show that time. But I haven't exactly -- I haven't been able to sit down and chat and that kind of thing. But he's a really, really positive person. That's how I envision him.
Q. How do you decide which charities to lend your name to?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I'm really, really particular towards, I suppose, children and really, I think, anyone who's a good cause. All kinds of requests, of course, for shoes and racquets and that kind of thing. If they're really doing the job, then that's what counts. But my favorite is definitely my mom's foundation, the OWL Foundation. She's my mom, so I lean toward that (smiling).
Q. When you say "a lot of," you get "a lot of offers," can you...
VENUS WILLIAMS: They don't exactly come to me. They're through managers. Racquets. You wouldn't believe the things people ask for.
Q. Such as...?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I'm not even going to get into it in this press conference (laughing). It's what people, lots of people really -- especially good charities, they need help. So, you know, I suppose it's a little bit of my responsibility to be able to help where I can.
Q. Do you enjoy giving back to the charities with your time and your energy?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, when I have time, I try. Exactly like now, this is one of the best ways.
Q. Is Serena in this as well?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Oh, yeah. All the way. There she is (pointing to her picture.) She's not too talkative (laughing). Earphones...
Q. What's the designed "Feel the Green" racquet all about? Did somebody design it? It said on the release you specially designed it.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Maybe we aren't on the same wavelength. Well, "Feel the Green" is part of this campaign, also the ad campaign. But I don't know about a racquet.
THE MODERATOR: They're signed.
VENUS WILLIAMS: There are some designed racquets for auction?
Q. It says, "Specially designed Feel the Green..."
VENUS WILLIAMS: I thought she was talking about the big ones?
THE MODERATOR: Not the big ones. It will be up on the auction site.
Q. There's talk that we've heard that you're not going to go back to Amelia Island to defend your title. Have you made a decision?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I'm currently not entered. I loved it last year; I really did. Really, I never experienced another crowd like Amelia, at Amelia Island. I really haven't. I just really couldn't believe how wonderful the people were there and just how supportive and how much they wanted me to be able to succeed in my matches. So that was real, real nice.
Q. So you're not going to go back this year?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Well, I mean, I really want to, but I had some things going on in my life off the court so I couldn't exactly sign up.
Q. Speaking of "off the court," how are you finding balancing tennis with V Starr Interiors responsibilities?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Well, I practice in the morning, go in the office in the afternoon. Then I get off work, put in my time card. But, no, it's a lot of fun. It's something I wanted to do, so... I like to think that once I put my mind to it, it will really go well.
Q. So what happens when you're practicing in the morning or when you're on the road?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I'm not the only person at the design office. I don't take care of everything.
Q. How many people are on board?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Currently, just two. But as I say, it's hard to find good help. I've learned...
Q. How many places have you designed? How many clients have you had?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I have a few clients. My toughest client is Serena. She pressures me (laughing).
Q. Is that for her LA apartment?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah.
Q. Is it an apartment?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Uh-hmm.
Q. How many bedrooms?
VENUS WILLIAMS: She has two.
Q. She's paying, too, for this service?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I would never charge her. I would charge the rest (laughing). I wouldn't even do that. She kept saying, "I want to pay, I want to pay." But, no, I wouldn't.
Q. How long does it take for your clients to forget that you're Venus Williams, a tremendous tennis player, and just that you're an interior designer?
VENUS WILLIAMS: To be honest, it doesn't take long at all because something like a home is very important, it's where you live and where you go back to every day. So you have to have a certain amount of confidence in whoever you hire that they are going to do a good job. So when people do choose V Starr, then they have a certain amount of confidence that the job can be done.
Q. Are you one of the designers who fits the theme of a project to the person who's the owner, or you kind of just push your thoughts on them?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Oh, I'm not pushy at all - only on the court, only on the tennis court.
Q. You mentioned your sisters in Howard. Do you have any ambitions to get a college degree?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I'm working on it, Bud. It's just not easy.
Q. I know.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah... One day. One day.
Q. I mean, you do have that ambition?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Oh, for sure. But as the years go by, it looks harder and harder. But I will. It would definitely, I guess, be one of my proudest moments. I don't know, there's a lot of great colleges. I suppose I won't be a candidate for one of the Wrigley's scholarships, but (laughing)... Who knows?
Q. Venus, you and your sister are so close. Never before on the women's tour have the No. 1 and No. 2 players had that kind of a relationship that you have. What kind of impact do you think that has had on women's tennis?
VENUS WILLIAMS: That's a good question. I don't even know. "How has the impact of the sister's relationship impacted tennis?" I hope in a good way. I think in a good way, yes.
Q. Scared the hell out of a lot of them (smiling)?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Who (smiling)? What's the point of being afraid if there's nothing to fear? What did that mean (laughing)? I don't know what I just said. It's kind of like a Chinese philosopher, you know.
Q. Why couldn't Serena make it?
VENUS WILLIAMS: She just wasn't able to make it.
Q. I'm not sure if you're aware, but yesterday Mal Washington's dad stationed a protest outside. He's sort of been a critic of the wildcard selections (inaudible). What do you think about that issue?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I don't even know. I like to think if you're good, people want you there, no matter who you are. If you're bad, you're not necessarily the attraction. But I don't know what his platform is, so I can't really comment on it.
End of FastScripts….
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Australian Open
Finals
S. WILLIAMS/V. Williams
7-6, 3-6, 6-4
Q. Venus, how much does this hurt given you were very close this time?
VENUS WILLIAMS: They all are not fun to lose, to be honest. This one isn't any different.
Q. It was a very high-standard match. You seemed to appear to play close to the top of your game. I suppose my question is, what do you have to do different to beat Serena?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I think she played really well and she made me hit a lot of balls. But I think that I kind of backed off my game, wasn't nearly as aggressive as I was my other matches.
It's just hard to be -- not to be aggressive in the beginning then change your whole game around in the later part of the match.
But, you know, I'll just keep working and moving forward.
Q. Is it just the occasion that made you sort of back off a little bit than you the other days?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I think the other days I just came out moving forward. This time I didn't basically. I didn't have as many short balls either. At least I didn't feel like I did. Maybe I did and I just didn't notice.
Q. Was the sensation different out there? Did this match feel different than the ones you've played in the other Slam finals, the way the match evolved as well?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I think it was just because the roof was closed. It's a little weird playing a final in an outdoor tournament indoors. So it does change the mood a lot. It feels more or less like a night match instead of a day match.
Q. Would the fact that you've played her so many times now in big matches, did that make it less pressure-filled or less complex a match psychologically than previous matches?
VENUS WILLIAMS: No.
Q. Do you sort of get fed up with this sensation? It's four in a row now.
VENUS WILLIAMS: What sensation?
Q. Of losing to Serena in a Grand Slam final.
VENUS WILLIAMS: I don't like losing altogether, so if it was Serena or any other player. It's just never fun. I'm never going to the finals, saying, "Yes, I'm losing today." I'm going with the attitude I'm going to go out there, do my best and try to take the title. That's definitely my attitude going on to the court every time, is positive.
Q. Are you glad that the roof was closed as far as the heat?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, I was. It was very hot out there. I guess it can get quite dangerous, especially since a lot of players are -- well, every player is coming from a winter climate. So it can be very, very challenging. I guess it was extremely hot this time.
Q. With the double-faults which came at pretty bad times, a couple of them, was that a self-belief thing almost?
VENUS WILLIAMS: No. I just -- I didn't have that many, but I guess sometimes it did put me down in the game. But never had a game point against me or anything like that.
But obviously there's going to be some mistakes sometimes. Hopefully, less than -- less mistakes than most times, I guess.
Q. After your last Grand Slam you seemed sort of a little tired by the whole scene. I think you said you were going to get away from the hype. Now, with a light fall schedule and six good matches heading up to this, what's your sort of enthusiasm level for tennis right now?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I'm really enthused. It's my job. If I'm not playing tennis, it's my main pursuit at this point, so I would like to continue and go on with my next tournaments. And basically I'll just keep improving, go home and go practice.
Q. Overall, obviously not the result you wanted today, but not even having dropped a set heading into this, overall do you take positives away?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I guess so. I had a doubles title. I'll take that away (laughing).
Q. Could you put Serena's achievement in perspective, somebody who knows the history of the game. Talk about that.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, not many people get all four Slams, so that's really wonderful. It really is.
Q. Do you think it's a real Grand Slam, or is it only calendar year that should be considered that way?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, I never thought about it too much. I mean, it's not like I was winning it (laughing).
So I think more or less it was on Serena's mind because she had been able to do all that - all those wins. But that really wasn't on my mind.
Four in a row is not easy. Well, it's fun.
Q. You said on the court after the match that you wanted to be like Serena. Is there anything right now that you think marks her apart from you in some way?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I think right now she's just probably a little mentally tougher out there than I was today. I think maybe that's the main thing that's dropped off in me. Usually I would just really get in there and take a match like that, normally.
I'm going to work on it, I'm going to fight and I'm going to concentrate.
Q. When you and Serena are practicing, do you just drill? Did you ever play points?
VENUS WILLIAMS: We play points. We don't really keep score.
Q. The crowd were pretty much behind you. What did you make of that? Why do you think that was?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I didn't really hear it. I don't really hear a lot of it. I can hear it maybe especially if they're against me. But I thought it was pretty even. I wasn't paying much attention.
Q. Through conversations with Serena, were you aware that she was desperate to get the Grand Slam? I mean, did you talk about it much?
VENUS WILLIAMS: No. We don't talk about Grand Slams a lot. No, I didn't know if she was desperate at all. I don't think she was desperate. I'm sure she was really aiming at it. Why not?
Q. Just wanted to ask you, there was a news reporting in Belgium regarding something to do with Kim Clijsters. I wanted to get your opinion on it. Her dad Leo said that in three years he thought she'd be off the court. In his view it was because of the length of the tour and the amount it takes out of players. I wanted to ask you whether, firstly, you're surprised by that news? Secondly, do you think she might go off the tour?
VENUS WILLIAMS: In another three years she's going to be finished?
Q. That's what he said, yes.
VENUS WILLIAMS: I think it's an interesting comment. I mean, obviously as a parent he's quite concerned about his daughter - and with good reason.
I also think that the tour is too long. If you're young, for example, I've been working very hard all of my life. Not only do you work on the court, but you work off the court. It's impossible to expect people to be able to play eleven months out of the year, not only the matches, but when you go home. If you're not training, you're going to lose when you do go out to play.
It is unreasonable in my opinion. I won't push myself to any level I feel I can't achieve personally. That's just the way I play my schedule.
You know, if you don't play a tournament, people are yelling and screaming this and that. But in the end, players have to take care of themselves and choose what's best.
Q. Do you hope that she does play beyond three years?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, I do. I think it would be a good thing. I hope, you know, all the players are around who play quite a while. When players are off the tour or a little injury, it gets to be that you miss playing them, especially if they're at the top.
Q. What about Martina Hingis, Venus?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I hope she comes back also. I mean, I haven't played her in I don't know how long. I just think that she needs probably a break. She's been playing since she was 14, nonstop, more tournaments than what I could imagine to enter.
I think, you know, she'll take some time and hopefully she'll come back better than ever.
Q. Do you think that's one of the things that keeps you so fresh? In comparison to say Jelena, play half as many?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Jelena?
Q. Dokic. Sorry. I threw a name out.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Normally if I'm playing a tournament, I do at least get to the finals, hopefully win the tournament. That helps me a lot to play a little less, and also mentally and physically it is more draining to compete at a high level always.
But I was never encouraged to play a lot by my parents. I was always encouraged to make sure I take myself first, because if I still play, if I don't play, if I live or die, the tour continues. I just think that I'll be taking care of myself. But I'll be playing a lot more tournaments.
Q. How does it make you feel when your younger sister questions calls and yells and slams her racquet when she's playing?
VENUS WILLIAMS: That's fine. She's always questioning calls and yells and slams the racquet. I'm more or less the one that's kind of silent.
Q. Do you think she sees you as another opponent across the net and you still see Serena?
VENUS WILLIAMS: No, I never really yell or slam my racquet. She has to see me as another opponent. These are major championships at stake. This is history, a career. When we look back, we want to be legends and go into the Hall of Fame. We're both trying to win the matches, especially ones like this.
Q. You said that she was a bit mentally stronger. Do you feel that, in reference to that, do you feel that she's got a bit of a mean streak?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I just think it's the momentum, really. When you're on top, you're on top. Really that's the way it is, so...
I guess it's just a feeling that you can only explain once you've been there. If any of you guys have been at the very top, or competed in a sport, you'd understand.
Q. How do you stop that run of momentum?
VENUS WILLIAMS: How do I stop it, is not my main interest.
Q. She said before the French Open last year that she had the number of Grand Slams you won in her head. It was motivating for her. She's won five. You've won four. Is it motivating to you?
VENUS WILLIAMS: It's motivating for me. I don't want to be the player that won four Grand Slams, whether she wins five or 15. When you look at the great players who have won 20 and all those kinds of numbers, I still have a long way to go - and not much time, so (laughing). I started a little late. So I definitely have to start racking them up somehow.
Q. Does it help to stay optimistic when the same thing keeps happening?
VENUS WILLIAMS: No, definitely when you lose, you're more motivated. When you win, you fail to see your mistakes and probably no one can tell you anything, that kind of thing.
But when you lose, you see your mistakes, they're right in your face. You realize, "Yeah, it's true." So...
Q. What did you say to each other after the match?
VENUS WILLIAMS: "Good match."
Q. What will you do tonight?
VENUS WILLIAMS: What will I do? Well, the first thing I'll do is I'll go to McDonald's. I want my double cheese burger with French fries and a soda. Yes.
Second, of course I'll pack my bags and maybe I'll have a dessert (laughing). Things like that.
Q. When you talked about it's a matter of momentum, you're presumably are talking from experience of having won those four. It just comes with winning?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, I think so. I win a lot, so I understand that when you are winning, then it's just a certain confidence that you have, especially if you're winning the large titles. You go into the match really knowing that, "I've got it. I have this experience. I did it just a month ago. I'll do it again."
That's good. But the best part is that, you know, I have some of that experience, too, to be able to win the big ones. It's a good thing to keep in the back pocket.
Q. Third set, you won the second set, momentum was in your favor. You come out and she saves a breakpoint. You played a weak service game. Even though you broke her back later, was that a pivotal part of the match for you, do you think?
VENUS WILLIAMS: No, I don't think so. I think we played pretty even. Every now and then both of us would have some weak games and then sometimes we'd have some really strong holds or a good break. But, no, I think sometimes when you get a break early it's easier to break back as far as if you get a break late in the set.
Q. Would you consider going outside of the fold to get a competitive advantage, maybe some extra coaching or a different path to maybe, as I said, give you that competitive edge?
VENUS WILLIAMS: No, I couldn't deal with a coach. I like my mom and dad because they're really laid back. Once we leave the court, we don't talk about tennis, strategy, all that. The coach, if I hired a coach, they'd want to talk about strategy, scout other players, they'd want to do all that stuff that I don't want to do. They wouldn't be able to tell me anything, we'd get in an argument and it wouldn't be good.
I really like my current situation. I think that once mom and dad get tired, I think Serena and I will kind of coach each other (laughter). I don't want a coach.
But my parents are good. They know that at least I work better when I can make my own plan. When I'm playing, I don't look up in my box or anything like that. It's all about me at that point. I don't like too much instruction because I can think on my own. Maybe I'm different from other players that need a lot of support. I think Serena is the same.
Q. Can you still, at times, take advice from other people?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Like...?
Q. I don't know, Fed Cup with Billie Jean.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Well, Billie Jean is great. Sometimes people can say things in a different way that really gets you to understand it or it paints a better picture in your mind, sure. That's nice also.
Q. What are you going to read on the plane tomorrow? Maybe sleep?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I'll read, maybe study. But it just depends. Watch a movie.
FastScripts by ASAP Sports...
Semi final
V. WILLIAMS/J. Henin-Hardenne
6-3, 6-3
Q. Are you tortured by having to be here instead of watching Serena?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Definitely ready to get out there. So I tried to get ready quick, so make it quick.
Q. Your all-court game is working now. Are you happy with the way it's going?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, just try to come to the net when I can. If I have a short ball, I move in. If I have to move back, I move back. I just really try to play the ball and whatever it takes to win the point.
Q. When you've been in the other three finals, is this something pretty special for you to be able to add a fourth to your record?
VENUS WILLIAMS: For sure four in a row is real nice. I guess it's (inaudible) this point take the title home. So at least I am always in the position to be the victor. Hopefully this time it will be different than the last three.
Q. What do you have to do to accomplish that?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I really just think I have to keep focusing, I have to keep playing like I am, keep my errors down and keep coming in, keep holding serve.
Q. If both of you stay together, live together, be together, how are you going to focus your thoughts so that you can still be sisters and be thinking about the match?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Really I try not to think too much about my matches. I really just prepare when I'm on the practice court and after that I let go and watch TV, laugh, read books and stuff like that then go play the match I think.
Once you start thinking too much, it can get to you. So I think on the court, off the court I resume with my life.
Q. You registered 215 on the meter there. That's 135 miles an hour?
VENUS WILLIAMS: 215?
Q. That's what it said on one of them. I've seen you do 126, but I never saw you break 130.
VENUS WILLIAMS: I've never seen the 215. It must not have went in (laughter).
No, I didn't see that one. If it was, it was nice. Hopefully the next one will be in.
Q. By your standards, where is your game at the moment in terms of percentage?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I think I'm doing good. I think the only time I am making errors is when I'm just rushing myself. It's my nature to play an aggressive game, that's how I was taught to play the game, because really the people that are winning are playing aggressive and making something happen on the court. At times I'm always so ready to move forward and play a forceful shot that I do rush. So whenever I do slow down, I'm able to play well and consistently. You know, that's really my main goal, is to stay within myself and not get ahead of myself.
Q. Are the conditions slightly faster this year? They said they were going to make them a little bit faster.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Really? To me, it feels the same.
Q. One statistic has you at coming among the Top 20 serves for men and women in this tournament. Would that motivate you to try to compete with the men in the service area?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I'm really going to make sure I work on my serve a lot when I get home. A lot of times I do everything else and at the end of practice it's time to serve and I'm tired so I won't hit a lot of serves. So I think maybe I'll change it around and start hitting the serves first, so that way I'll have put all my energy into that. Because it's a really important part of the game, the serve and return. It's where you start the point.
Q. You had one game with three aces.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Really? Good. Probably one game with three double-faults, too.
Q. No.
VENUS WILLIAMS: No, good.
Q. Everybody was talking about the gap being close. You wanted to show Henin off today? You wanted to show that you're still high above them?
VENUS WILLIAMS: More than anything, I wanted to win the match today. Whatever her performance, her level of play, is really up to her. Obviously, I mean, she's proved she's a great player, semifinals, finals at Wimbledon, you know, great results everywhere.
She definitely has the potential to be a Grand Slam champion. But more than anything, I was just out there trying to win my match.
Q. And you are still better than her?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Today.
Q. This is a hypothetical question. If Serena gets through, how difficult would it be for you, knowing that she was going for four Slams in a row?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, on the court I'm a competitor. No matter who it is, I hate to lose. The same with her - maybe her even more. Off the court, we're sisters again. If she were to twist her ankle on the court, of course I'd be concerned but I would still have to go out and hit the next shot, you know. That's the way it is.
Q. John McEnroe was talking about playing with you when you were 10. Do you remember that?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Uh-hmm.
Q. Can you talk about it?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I was always really high on myself and, you know, I was sure I could win, I was better and all that kind of thing. So after I hit with him, I went to practice at the regular parks where I usually hit at, and I was telling my dad, "Daddy, I'd win the match. I'd hit my backhand like this, my forehand like that, I'd come to the net." I was telling him all these things. He said, "Venus, I don't know if you can win." Finally, he saw I could do it, he should encourage me. That's a funny story. Looking back, I realize I would have lost. But at that time I really thought I could do it. That's funny.
Q. How hungry are you for another title?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I've always wanted to win the titles, especially if it's a Grand Slam. I'm just as hungry, I'm just as motivated.
Q. No difference?
VENUS WILLIAMS: No difference. I think there's times maybe I'm more confident than at another time, but I always feel confident, even if I'm not playing well. I feel confident as a competitor that I'm going to go out there and really compete, and even if I do lose, my opponent's really, really, really going to have to play.
Q. If you did have to play Serena in the final, how would the idea of coming to the net more, attacking more, how would that change the dynamic of the match?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I try when I have some short balls. But a lot of times the girls are playing the balls deep, especially as the tournament goes on. So when I have a chance, I'll try.
Q. What the key to the love you have in the family? You couldn't wait back to support Serena.
VENUS WILLIAMS: I think the key is first, you know, our religious beliefs. Really believe in God and we realize that, sure, this is a game, but there's so much more things important in life. All I have is my family and my best friends are my sisters, my mom and my dad. Other than that, I don't really have any people that are around me. That's the first thing. So if I lose them, I don't have anything.
Second is it's how we were taught to really be a family and stick together. We weren't allowed to fight or do those kinds of things. It was just out of the question. So we all just banded together and hold each other up.
Q. Are there relatives try to extend your tennis dynasty or whatever?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Not yet, because they don't really have any coaches. When I was younger, my mom and dad, they were teaching us. So no one else out there, I guess, has the skill to teach tennis the way they did - or no one in my family at least yet.
Q. Who will you discuss the match with, the final? Do you talk to your mom about tactics, call your dad up? Who do you discuss it with?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I don't think we ever talk about tactics. We mostly talk about anything that I may be doing wrong or some things that I can improve on. Of course, if someone has an awesome shot on a certain side, of course you do realize those kind of things. More than anything my tactic, what to focus on in my own game.
If I do talk to my mom, most likely my dad, we'll just talk about quick preparation, staying low, hitting up on my serve, those kinds of nd of things.
Q. Do you talk to them before the final?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Sure. I don't have a phone this time, but I'll use Serena's.
¼ final
V. WILLIAMS/D. Hantuchova
6-4, 6-3
Q. You haven't played one preparation tournament, yet you're in the semifinals without dropping one set. What's the recipe?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I did get here a little early. I arrived on Wednesday. I practiced hard. I really didn't want to lose. Maybe that's the recipe.
Q. When did you play last such a good match?
VENUS WILLIAMS: You think it was good?
I think I had a lot of errors. I think also that Daniela didn't play her best. I think she wanted to play better, for sure.
But I think in general, maybe it was my better match of this tournament. But, of course, I'm my best critic, I'm always looking for the things that I can do better after each match, unless it was perfect. So that's probably why I see it like that.
Q. What did you think when you served the 201 kilometer an hour serve?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I didn't even know I served it. I was getting ready for the next serve, then I saw it.
I guess the times that I serve the hardest is when I'm not trying. I haven't even tried to break my record. Back when I was serving really big, I had the 205, I was always trying to serve really hard. So this tournament I did decide that I'm going to start trying to do that again.
Nowadays, I just go for placement and, of course, power. I mean, when I hit it, it just kind of comes that fast. Now I'm going to start trying to see if I can serve it even bigger than the record.
Q. What lesson did you take from last year?
VENUS WILLIAMS: From last year?
Q. Playing her.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Oh, well, I guess a lesson I could have taken is that she was a very good player. But I played her a handful of times. I think this match was just really different from the last one, for sure.
Q. Assuming you would meet Justine Henin in the semifinals, you've beaten her six times, lost one time. How do you feel about her as a player, opponent?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I hated that one loss. I always remember the losses more than the wins. So I guess I'll keep that in mind when I play the next one.
I always remember the scores, you know, the pain. But I think she's playing really well. I didn't see any of the last match. But I was on the doubles court, and they show the scores of the matches on the changeovers. The crowd would go, "Ooh," gasp, because it was 6-6, 7-6. It looked really exciting.
Q. Have you ever been in a match like that?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Hmm, yes, I have. Those aren't easy, especially if you lose it.
Q. Did those out calls bother you from the crowd in that first set, when she started calling your shots long?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I just think in the middle of a point when the crowd starts to be a bit noisy, it's best just to focus on your shot and not to worry if the ball was really in or out. Obviously, I can't call the lines for me or against me.
I'd like to think they were in, but I suppose maybe some of them were in or out. I don't know.
Q. Will you watch the game tonight?
VENUS WILLIAMS: They don't seem to show it on TV, so I guess I won't be able to.
Q. You never do that?
VENUS WILLIAMS: If they show the match, if I have time. In general, I like to watch women's tennis a lot, everyone at home, no matter what player it is.
Q. Do you learn something from watching it?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Well, I try to. (Inaudible) learn anything.
Q. You ready to beat the sister?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I assume it's Serena, right (smiling)?
Long way from that still. I mean, the semifinals is a very important point in a Grand Slam, for sure. Whoever I do play, it will be very important for me to focus on that match and just to keep improving. The thing I was happy with today was most of my errors that I was making were long, out, not in the net. When it's in the net, it bothers me. I don't like that.
Q. You have one match between your singles match and the doubles match you're going to play. What will you do in between?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Eat, stretch, tape, play.
Q. Do you tape between matches?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yes.
Q. Where was the 205?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Zurich, long time ago, '98. Back then I was really always trying like to serve faster. After that, I just tapered off. I was always going for placement. Forgot to serve faster.
Q. Did you serve any more over 200?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah. But then in the States, the clock is different. I guess it's about 123, something like that.
Q. Are you more determined, more focused to win a Grand Slam this year as you were last year or is there no difference?
VENUS WILLIAMS: As I was last year? Sure, always. But I think the players who are winning the Grand Slams are the ones who play the points at the right time, who are the bravest, who aren't afraid to make a mistake. That's what I have to be.
Q. If you make it to the final, would you prefer to play your sister again or would you prefer Kim Clijsters?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Serena.
Q. Serena?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah. Sorry. I'm playing favorites.
Q. How does Mark help you as a hitting partner?
VENUS WILLIAMS: He's really consistent. He doesn't miss a lot. Especially if I have to play before a match -- not play, but practice, warm up before a match, then I have to have anything perfect. I don't want anything missing. I want the ball coming exactly how I want it to come. He's quite good at that. He's motivated. He's on time when I'm late. It's great.
Q. You're not wearing your necklace anymore.
VENUS WILLIAMS: I don't feel like it, so I didn't. I didn't bring a lot of good ones. I can't seem to find them anymore.
Q. You said the other day that you're a little bit more sure of your path off the court than Serena, that Serena was maybe more exploring her options a little bit more. On the court last year she couldn't have been more focused or dynamic. Do you think there's any validity in that, that that helped her be No. 1 last year, and maybe you just went off the boil a tiny bit?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I don't quite understand the question.
Q. The fact that you were getting more of your life in order off the court, the fact that she was more focused on the court. Do you think there's any explanation there?
VENUS WILLIAMS: No, I think that had nothing to do with it. She just was too good. Everyone tried to take her down; no one could do it.
Q. What do you think of your opponent today in view of her improvement? Were you looking for more opposition than what you received?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I've seen her play a few matches here, plus I've played her, so I knew what to expect.
I just didn't want to go out there rushing my shots. Sometimes I can do that, start to make errors. But I don't think she did anything that I didn't expect, no.
Q. You hit so many shots, of course it's hard to remember one. You had a forehand return in the seventh game of the second set that set up a breakpoint. Do you recall that one?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah.
Q. She couldn't even move and the point was over.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, I just took that one from Serena, I think. She hits that a lot.
I think at that point I just wasn't thinking about it too much. I just hit the shot instead of trying to analyze it so much beforehand. That works a lot better. It was nice.
Q. Do you normally try to analyze shots before you hit them?
VENUS WILLIAMS: If I'm not playing so well, I do a lot. When I'm playing very well, I just play tennis.
Q. So was this your best return on a first serve?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah.
Q. Would there be no relief whatsoever to have to play in the final against somebody who is not your sister?
VENUS WILLIAMS: No relief?
Q. Yes.
VENUS WILLIAMS: As far as?
Q. I don't know. In terms of psychological terms, not having to play your sister in the final.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Relief? I'm trying to understand the question. I never felt a relief.
Q. Would it be easier maybe psychologically if you had to play somebody who was not Serena, even though you would like to see your sister in the final?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I never really think of it that way. More than anything, I'm just trying to survive myself. Honestly, if I don't make it there, then what's the point? I'm just really trying to get there myself. Once I do get there, obviously I look at it that way.
Hopefully I'll be in the final.
Q. Do you have any time to focus on your design company?
VENUS WILLIAMS: No. In fact, I don't think about it. I have to focus on the tennis. Fortunately I don't have to, and everything's going on at home. I'll have to read my e-mail and see if anything bad happened, but I don't think so.
Q. Does the tennis (inaudible) design?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Design? I think it's kind of an art form.
rd. of 16
V. WILLIAMS/N. Pratt
6-3, 6-2
An interview with:
MODERATOR: Questions for Venus, please.
Q. Talk about the net play you've been trying to put into your game this week. A bit more? A lot of net rushes. Is that sort of your plan for the year?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I think I'm most successful when I'm at the net, when I take advantage of moving in on short balls, and also my reach.
But I think it just kind of happened that way. I've been getting a lot of short balls and I've been coming in. I'm really just trying to play the game of tennis and not have to think about everything. So I guess it was natural for me to come in more the last few matches.
Q. Do you think you'll be able to do it against players like Serena or Lindsay or people who hit the ball a bit deeper?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I think so.
Q. The crowd was obviously expected to be behind Nicole. Her level of play, I thought was very high. Were you expecting that?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Sure, I was expecting her to play really well. This is her first appearance in the Round of 16. I guess the only thing she's thinking is, "Why not go a little further?" Of course, I'm thinking the same thing, take another step towards possibly being the victor at this tournament.
You know, more than anything, I know she's a really good competitor, no matter what the score is, how far down she was. I did know going into the match I would have to compete.
Q. How would you rate her game?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Very well. I think she had a lot of deep balls, ran down a lot of balls. Even when she made mistakes, she didn't get down on herself.
Q. Does it give you a problem when the crowd is excited about having one of their own play?
VENUS WILLIAMS: No. I mean, I'm here too much. When I'm out there, I'm pretty focused on what I'm doing. A lot of times I won't notice if the crowd is for me or against me.
Q. How do you rate how you're hitting the ball at the moment?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I think I'm doing okay. If I'm going to miss a shot, I'm really trying to miss it long and not into the net, make sure my strokes are long, that I'm not abbreviating them. I like to believe if the ball is long, it's going to drop in. But if it's in the net, there's no way, there's nothing I can do about it.
I am trying to cut back on the errors and, of course, hold serve.
Q. It sounds like your net play has not been a very conscious effort on your part. There was a time when Martina took over from Chris Evert, and Chris realized she had to step up her game, come to the net. Is it not a conscious decision to up that facet of your game?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I definitely have goals every year. Definitely my goal, of course, was to come to the net more, amongst other goals. And I think it is working out. I'm not holding myself back by staying at the baseline.
So I think naturally, for any tennis player, if you just play the game like it's supposed to be played, you come in on the short balls, you attack the net sometimes. I'm just trying to do that, basically.
Q. You're making a more conscious effort to do that?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, okay (laughter).
Q. When you do come in, it seems like you approach cross-court instead of down the line. Conventional theory is that you approach down the line. What is your thinking there?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I think the champs do go down the line. I should go down the line a little bit more. I've been getting so many low balls, when I am coming in, that sometimes it is more difficult to bring it down because you have to lift it a lot more, whereas cross-court you go to a lower part of the net. If I have a higher ball, I can take it whichever way I want.
Q. You seem to really enjoy the higher balls.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, those are fantastic, especially when I make them. If I miss them, I'm a little bit disappointed, sure.
Q. Your thoughts on Hantuchova? Tough match when you played her last year.
VENUS WILLIAMS: I think she'll definitely be motivated to get a win against me. We played a handful of times. She hasn't been able to be the victor yet. Those are definitely factors I have to keep in my mind when I go into a match against a player I have a good record against.
And also, I think that she's just playing good tennis. She's played some tough matches against some players who have come out hot against her, and she's come through. So that's a good sign.
Q. What are you going to do today to pass the time before your doubles?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Hopefully the time will pass on its own. The last time I was here at like 8:00 and I left at about 8:00. The next time after that, we kind of took a brief intermission, myself and my mom and Serena, we left the tennis center, got some lunch somewhere else, came back. We were still here till 8:00, but it felt different because we took that intermission. So it felt like we were here half the time.
Hopefully the time will pass.
Q. Have you played against Martina Navratilova before? Are you excited about playing against her today?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Oh, for sure excited. I think I saw some of the match yesterday with the doubles, the women's doubles. Seems like she's playing well. More than anything, it seems like the partnership between her and Kuznetsova - did I say it right? - It seems to work very well. Both of them seem to play well together.
Serena and I, we play well together, too.
Q. Is this the first time you played her?
VENUS WILLIAMS: No, I played her in 2000 at Wimbledon.
Q. Are we going to see you out here at 46?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I'm not willing to work as hard as she does - even now. So I don't think I'll be able to do anything she's done. Hopefully I can just get close to the things she's done in singles, doubles and mixed. I mean, to be out at 46, I probably won't be that successful.
Q. Even at your level, do you learn something from being on the court with someone like Martina?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Well, I try to learn something from everyone. If I see something that someone else is doing that I'm not, they're doing better than me, of course I try to do it myself.
You know, she was a great doubles champion. If I could pick up a few pointers, I will. I don't think she's going to be whispering anything to me on the match court.
Q. Was there any part of Pratt's game that you didn't expect out there?
VENUS WILLIAMS: No. I think I know her game pretty well because she's pretty much a baseliner. She really likes to grind. It's not like she has a huge serve or she was going to come out and serve and volley against me. If she did that, then I would have been really surprised.
So she did stick to her game. I think that when people come out against me, they have to change their game completely to try to play me, that's when I feel as if I am for sure going to win the match. But she stuck to her game, believed in what she was doing, and that's the sign of a real champ.
Q. Did you always feel in control, the fact that you could dictate the points?
VENUS WILLIAMS: For sure, I think so. I think more than anything I just had to keep my errors down. But there were a lot of times I would hit a hard ball, and she'd hit it right back at me. So I wasn't always ready for those.
At times, I was moving her side to side, she kept getting it back, moving me side to side. When matches are like that, I try to just enjoy the battle, enjoy the moment, say, "I'm fortunate to be out here," not to think about it as, "Why is this happening to me?"
Q. What do you think about all the changes taking place in the leadership of the WTA?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Not a lot of time to think about it right now, between all the matches. But I think, more than anything, the sport is growing. Anytime that you're growing, there's always a few pains. So we'll get through them.
Q. At the end of the season when you lost the three Slams to your sister, maybe you weren't as excited about tennis as you were before. How would you describe your level of motivation, the way that affected you, losing those finals?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I think the first thing is Serena was just playing better, was a better level. I think if I would have played anyone else, for sure I would have won.
But that's the past. Hey, at least I was the finalist.
Q. Did it affect your motivation for the game?
VENUS WILLIAMS: No, not at all. No, not at all. I was just feeling tired. But I did my best, whatever time I was playing, so I don't feel bad about that.
Q. When you and Serena go into a doubles match, do you actually train for doubles or do you just take your athleticism to the court?
VENUS WILLIAMS: We don't train as much as we'd like. I was thinking today we would go out and hit a few minutes, work on a few doubles drills, because we don't really practice the doubles. We just try to take pride in what we do. We have a saying that, "Whatever happens, you have to show up. If you're going to show up, why not compete? Why not do it right?"
So it doesn't always work out. But it's a little motivation to get out there and play the game.
Q. When you were growing up, which were the women players that you really liked watching?
VENUS WILLIAMS: First, Sabatini when I was really young, like eight. You know, I was a Monica fan. I started grunting, too - haven't stopped since. I guess she was just a revolutionary at that time, just hitting the ball, making it happen. I loved Monica.
Pretty much after that, I was on my own.
I guess four years later -- when I liked Monica, I was like 10 or 11. A few more years, I was playing matches pro, myself, playing against her.
Q. (Inaudible)?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I didn't know what I was doing. It was hard. She took a bathroom break and I fell apart. It's not like I was nervous, it's just I didn't know what I was doing. I've learned a lot since then, to sum it up.
Q. You were, what, 13 or 14?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I was like 14. 3-Love in the second, I won the first, I was on a roll. Oh, well.
3rd rd.
V. WILLIAMS/A. Barna
6-1, 6-4
THE MODERATOR: First question for Venus, please.
Q. You look like you switched your game down Love -40. Can you talk about what thoughts went through your mind?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I was down Love-40. Which game was that?
Q. 1-4?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I don't know. I just wasn't too keen on losing that game. I was able to come through really.
It was a little hot out there. It wouldn't have been extremely nice to go to a third set but I was willing to do whatever it takes.
Q. How would you describe the contribution of your mother as a mom and as a coach?
VENUS WILLIAMS: More than anything I really enjoy her company and like being around her. She's a fun person, she's a great person and she's a good coach. She never beats around the bush. She tells it like it is. I guess that's how I am too.
Q. There's been a lot written about the similarities between you and Serena, how you're kind of bookends. Obviously there's quite a lot of differences we don't know about. How would you describe the differences between Serena and yourself maybe on and off the court?
VENUS WILLIAMS: On the court, I think maybe I like to mix it up a little more and play a little less power. Serena really just likes to take it to the opponent and just, you know, make you answer or else you don't.
Off the court, I like to study and I like to have my books and be at home and sit in bed and that kind of thing. Serena goes around, she visits friends, she visits family, does a lot more extracurricular activities. I do a lot, too, but they're more I guess academically oriented.
Q. Are you more serious?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Serious... I guess I really know what path I'm on. Serena is figuring out exactly what she wants off the court.
Q. You are WTA player representative at this time.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yes.
Q. With this, is there a conspiracy to make the ladies' matches a little more exciting in the first week?
VENUS WILLIAMS: No.
Q. One and two, the both of you together, what stage in the tournament does sisterly love finish and the mind games start between you two?
VENUS WILLIAMS: There are no mind games. I don't play those, you know. I think at times mentally you have to be stronger and be willing to go the extra mile. But either you're a better player or you aren't.
The mind games don't come into play. I've never seen where they could be successful, so I haven't even tried them. So if you know any that work, let me know.
Q. Yesterday you had six or seven hours between when Serena finished her match and when you started doubles. What kind of things do you do?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I don't do anything. If I have a book, I have a book. But normally I would have left. But I thought, "As soon as I leave, someone will default, twist an ankle, I won't get back in time." So I stayed around.
Q. Your form, are you happy with how you're hitting the ball?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, I feel better with every match. I think definitely in the first set I was playing really well, sticking to my game plan. I think in the second set she lifted the level of her game. You change it up, try to do something different to also figure out what's the reason you're losing that set. I think that's what she did. She started getting a lot of balls over the net. I kind of started missing. I think at 4-1 I finally decided to miss a lot less than what I had, and it helped.
Q. Nicole Pratt next round. Have you played her before?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I don't think so. I've never played her, that I can remember.
Q. You've had a lot of crowd support here, particularly this year. I guess playing an Aussie on Rod Laver Arena, do you think that dynamic of maybe change in allegiance, would that bother you in any way?
VENUS WILLIAMS: No, not at all. I've played a lot of favorites in my time. I'm really happy for her that she's able to get to this round. I didn't know I was playing her next. I guess now's my challenge to get to the round after this.
Q. How much are you enjoying your tennis at the moment?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I enjoy it a lot - especially when I'm winning. When things get a little tight, I tend to be a little bitter about my performance, that's natural. But when I'm on a roll, it definitely feels great.
If I'm not enjoying my tennis, then I'll definitely take a step back and reevaluate my life and things on the court and also try to explain to myself that it's not that bad. But I do spend a lot of time feeling sorry for myself. After I pat myself on the back, I get back up.
Q. After the US Open final, you seemed a lot more down than you are now. You seem brighter, both physically and your mood.
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, I think last year for me was a tough year because I was just I think always mentally and physically tired. I was always going the extra mile to do my best. But I really didn't want to go to practice all the time, I always felt tired. So it was a tough position to be in.
So really at the end of the year I tried to take a break so I could actually be ready for the next year.
Q. And the spark is back now?
VENUS WILLIAMS: It has to be, especially with the competitors out there.
Q. You were wearing something on I think it was your left knee. Was that a band aid or some sort of fashion statement?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I wish it was a fashion statement, no. What is it, it's called a medial glide. Does that explain it?
Q. Not really.
VENUS WILLIAMS: (Laughing).
Q. Serena talked about not wanting to peak too soon in the course of the tournament. What would you consider the best time to be at your best in the tournament?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I think the best time is every time, in my opinion. But I think what she meant, she probably felt confident that she could raise the level of her game when the time counts, and I guess it is very important to do that. I also have that same confidence. I've done it in the past. I'm looking forward to doing it this tournament also.
Q. Is that your cousin sitting in the stands today?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Which one?
Q. Your cousin next to your mom?
VENUS WILLIAMS: She? That's my niece.
Q. She fell asleep during the game.
VENUS WILLIAMS: She's a baby. She can't help it.
Q. Was it Serena getting back at you for maybe having a bit of a rest in Serena's match yesterday?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I had a rest yesterday?
Q. Serena's match yesterday, when you watched her, you had a bit of a rest on your mom's shoulder?
VENUS WILLIAMS: It's a good place to be, your mom's shoulder.
Q. Was it you guys taking her out shopping too late last night?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I think it was the heat, too. She's not a player so she's not used to sitting in the sun. So it probably got to her.
Q. She's enjoying it down here?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah.
Q. What do you have in your book bag this time?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Book bag? I have -- I always bring too many and they're heavy. But I bring my design books and my history design books. And my latest book is Economics Explained, because I found that it was a subject I didn't know a lot about. I don't like to live life not knowing a lot about things, so I just decided I have to pick up the pace. Put down the nonsense books and pick up the real deal. So that's what I did.
2nd rd
1st rd.
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