WIMBLEDON

July 3, 2000

Venus Williams

MODERATOR: Good afternoon. Venus Williams. Who would like to start?

VENUS WILLIAMS: I think a little bit at 5-1. But also she was fighting for every point. She was playing quite well. All my forceful shots, she was getting back. She played well.

VENUS WILLIAMS: I felt I should have won the game long before the 12th deuce. Sometimes it ends that way. I believe I got a lot of momentum from that game.

VENUS WILLIAMS: No. I was up 6-4, 5-1. I was at the advantage. If anything, it was her who was under pressure to stay in the match. I think I just made some errors, a lot of easy shots I missed. I think today I missed quite a few easy shots. I usually don't do that.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, I'm trying to get over there right now.

VENUS WILLIAMS: I feel good. It will be the first time I've been able to play her this year. Just continue serving well, playing consistently, and moving forward.

VENUS WILLIAMS: No, I didn't say that.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Serena made up for that for me. Hopefully I'll have another opportunity to play better, at least play the best that I can.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, it really is annoying. But I can raise the level of my game. I just have to get my mind there. There's no way these girls should be competing like that against me in these sets, unless I of course let them.

VENUS WILLIAMS: I think the key is that usually when you play her, she gets quite a few balls back, plays consistently. Usually you hit yourself out of the match and make quite a few mistakes. Initially I think the main thing is also to think about what you're doing, not concentrate on what your opponent is doing. Once you start doing that, it's gone.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Pros and cons, I don't know. It's the way I want it to be. If I felt there was any day that I wouldn't be able to continue in such a manner, then I believe I would just tell my dad, tell my mom, "Hey, it's time to move on." They would understand that.

VENUS WILLIAMS: No, I don't think so. I think there's more leeway for them to be honest. If you hired a coach, maybe they're just trying to keep their job. Who knows. The parents, they can tell you just how it is. One thing, they're never going to try to hurt you; always try to help you.

VENUS WILLIAMS: I think so. I can't think of anyone I would like to work with or anyone I can get along with for such a long period of time.

VENUS WILLIAMS: I've let it happen before. It hasn't been as much fun as it would have been closing it out pretty soon. So it would just make my day a lot easier.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, I'm playing pretty good.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Why not?

VENUS WILLIAMS: No, I did nothing. Just cleaning.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yes.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah. I've been working hard, doing my best to get at the level I'm at now, especially with my serve. I'm much more consistent than I was, say, at the French Open. But it's just a matter of staying calm during the rallies.

VENUS WILLIAMS: I'd like it to happen. We'd both like it to happen. Give each other the opportunity that one Williams will be in the final.

VENUS WILLIAMS: We'd like to have that opportunity. At least one Williams would be in the final.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Sure. She's a great player. What do you mean?

VENUS WILLIAMS: You know, you can't exactly say, "I want my name to be by Serena Williams." She's a tough player. When the time comes, got to step up.

VENUS WILLIAMS: I mean, I've played Martina thousands of times. Serena's played her a few less times. If I don't know what I'm doing right now.... I should be more concentrated on my game.

VENUS WILLIAMS: No.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Why should I be?

VENUS WILLIAMS: So what?

VENUS WILLIAMS: No. Just here to talk about mostly tennis.

VENUS WILLIAMS: I feel good. But I want to go to Serena's match now. That's all.