WIMBLEDON

June 26, 2000

Venus Williams

MODERATOR: First question for Venus, please.

VENUS WILLIAMS: I feel very good. It got a little bit chilly toward the end. Other than that, the sun was a little bit out. I'm just happy that it didn't rain, and hopefully it will continue this way.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Oh, yes, she was extremely dangerous in practise. The best thing is that we had the best practises because we always are hitting with each other. If anything, we should be the most prepared for the next opponent or if we play each other.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, we both are feeling very good. Especially myself at the French. Serena doesn't seem to be having too many side effects. That's the most important thing because you're not losing a match because you're hurting or because you're not feeling up to par.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Come on (laughter).

VENUS WILLIAMS: It's a world of difference. It's really tough for me. I had no control over any of my shots at the French Open. I tried to think positive and be positive. It was very, very, very trying. But now, like in the French Open, I couldn't and wouldn't serve. But here I can. Things are much better for me.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Because I've had the opportunity to serve a lot more. It really makes a big difference. When you can't serve, especially for someone like me, I have a huge serve, and I rely on that. Just not to have that is handicapping.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yes, we have one.

VENUS WILLIAMS: I guess by the French Open. But I started looking this year.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Her name is Kerrie Brooks and she does everything for us.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yes. I don't like the gym. I don't think I ever will. So it's important that I would have a trainer, or else I will not work hard in the gym. I'll work hard on the tennis court.

VENUS WILLIAMS: She doesn't make me. I go and I do it. I'm not a lazy person, but I won't go by myself.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Definitely, because we're not just pumping weights, we're doing different exercises on key areas that we've had problems on in the past and strengthening so that way we don't have any more hurdles with injuries.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yes, most certainly. I'm getting the hang of just serving. I think also when I'm at the baseline, I'm rushing a bit too much when I can just take my time, lift the ball. Today I was doing a little bit more rushing. Everyone knows, when I was lifting the ball, she was having a difficult time, just missed it right away. I'm just going to try to slow down and start placing my return of serve well. I think mostly I did very good today. I think I was moving very well today also. She was having a tough time hitting winners.

VENUS WILLIAMS: The first time I played Wimbledon, I didn't play my first round match until Saturday. You can only imagine my impression. I can't use words to say it. It was a very, very difficult time. I was very bitter. Actually I don't hardly remember the experience, blocked it out.

VENUS WILLIAMS: No. Because I was trying something new and different. You know, it's okay to fail. But if you don't try, that's the worst part. I believe I'll be doing better. I need to really hold serve. I'm very good at breaking, but if I can hold, it just makes it so much more easier. But I'm really just happy to be serving much better.

VENUS WILLIAMS: My dad told me to serve-and-volley every point.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Not really, because I have a very good volley. I'm confident in my volleys. The only thing I think that you worry about is getting passed, but the person can't pass you every time. It's going to be difficult, especially with my wingspan. These things I realise. I'm just going to try to keep moving forward on the short balls, floaters, the serve, hopefully the second serve.

VENUS WILLIAMS: You know, I don't know this year because my opportunity to gain points will be few and far between. This year, I didn't play the first five months, so I can just run through the tournaments and gain points, whereas other girls will be losing some. Next year I can get closer, because I'm getting more back on track.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Not really. I would say mostly Serena is a better listener or maybe a better executer at listening. But you have to remember also this is her first match since I guess the Lipton, or the week after the Lipton. All you want to do is just go out there and play well and get through it. That would probably be the main difference.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Not really. Not really.

VENUS WILLIAMS: This is great. I expect to play singles, but I can't wait till we play doubles. We haven't played since US Open. We actually had to get a wildcard in the tournament, Serena and I couldn't believe it. We were driving in the car, the WTA said, You want a wildcard, you can't get in? I said, No, it doesn't make sense. We were somewhat upset, and it was funny to. Before the French Open, we were still ranked No. 20. But now I don't know what we're ranked. I'll have to see.

VENUS WILLIAMS: I don't know lower ranked players. Most of the top players, you're only happy when you win. If someone goes out there and comes out there, just beats you that day, they're better that day, there's an exception. If there's something you can do about it, that's when you feel down.

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