WIMBLEDON

June 21, 2004

Venus Williams

THE MODERATOR: Questions for Venus.

VENUS WILLIAMS: It was really tricky because sometimes it was clear, sometimes there was a cloud. Even before the rain started, they covered the courts. But I've learned that I can't rush it or else I start making mistakes.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Exactly, a little bit. But, you know, I felt comfortable at that point, and it was fairly close to being closed out, so I was ready.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, that was good actually. I was looking at these stats and seeing what the errors were going to be. I would have liked to always have a little less, but it was a good game for me.

VENUS WILLIAMS: That was such a long time ago. I have to go back, back, back. I guess good. I mean, I suppose I can compare my form to last year in the early rounds around this time, yes.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Well, I mean, you could see I was on my way. But I hit a lot of winners, so... By the time it was time to hit a volley, I had already hit a winner, what have you.

VENUS WILLIAMS: I think what I do is I have to have a game plan going in and stick to it. But I think I was just somewhat raised as a baseliner, an aggressive player, of course, all-court game. The baseline is pretty much where I like to be. But I definitely understand the net game a little bit more, the last two months.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Right, right. Really positive atmosphere at Fed Cup when I had the chance to be under -- be I guess her little pupil, along with Zina. They both have perfect volleys. When Serena and I are passing down the halls, we look at the old pictures of everyone playing. We're like, "See how she 's looking at the ball? Look how the racquet's out in front. Why aren't you do that kind of thing?" So we were just looking at Billie's picture the other day, Serena was commenting, "She's an expert on volleys." We've learned a lot from her.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Maybe one or two points. I was getting ready for my match.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Congratulations, really. I think it takes a while to get back in the swing of singles, especially, you know, if you've been out so many years, as she has. So, obviously, she's doing something right.

VENUS WILLIAMS: I think it reflects well on Martina. She's in wonderful shape. She understands the game probably more than ever at this point.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Not really. I like my game. I like how I play. I don't know. I think you have to mix it up. If you're constantly coming to the net, someone's going to know, "She's coming to the net." If you can play from the baseline and then come in, this is trickier to me.

VENUS WILLIAMS: I'm always happy to be back. It's so nice. I know I can play as fast as I want to. Possibly I play even faster here. I don't even have to go for as much placement on my serve. I just hit it. I just have a lot of fun on this surface.

VENUS WILLIAMS: I know. That was nice. And then I kind of missed a shot. I think I had a breakpoint against me. There was a collective sigh. I was like, "Wait a minute, what's going on here?" I'm used to people being very nice, but not so nice like that. I did have a chance to enjoy that moment.

VENUS WILLIAMS: I only had about five tips today. Just stay focused. It's so important.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, it's a new outfit. It's kind of more reminiscent of evening wear than tennis wear.

VENUS WILLIAMS: No. It's definitely Diane von Furstenberg.

VENUS WILLIAMS: It's really comfortable, really fun, really elegant. I love the hem line. It's definitely what's going on this summer. I guess I'm just in fashion.

VENUS WILLIAMS: You know, I don't know. I always hope that people saw me as human. Obviously, a steely competitor, that's very important to me. But, yeah, I even struggled all year long. I've twisted both ankles. I've had a lower leg strain where I had to pull out of a few events. I've hardly played in an event healthy or prepared. It's been very difficult. I keep teasing my physio. "If I laugh too hard, I might get injured."

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, I mean, my stomach's fine. Hopefully a ghost, history. My ankles, obviously I have to tape them. Don't really like to, but I tape them because I'm a bit fragile now in that area.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Since that time, I've like turned it a couple more times. And I don't know why, I think once you do it once or twice, you lose a little bit of stability. So once I can just kind of not twist it the next couple of months, I should get everything back to normal.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Mostly the left these days.

VENUS WILLIAMS: What about the wrist?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yes, thank you (smiling).

VENUS WILLIAMS: I've noticed that my feet on this surface, especially the return, I haven't been moving as quickly as I've wanted to. With the grass, you can kind of get stuck a little bit. I think subconsciously I'm thinking about that, but it hasn't stopped me.