THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

June 30, 2021

Venus Williams

Press Conference

O. JABEUR/V. Williams

7-5, 6-0

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Were you feeling the effect of that first-round win yesterday? It was a tough game.

VENUS WILLIAMS: I mean, with Wimbledon especially, the weather can make you have to play some matches. I think she played well. Just played super good, so I can't take any credit away from her.

Q. What are your thoughts on the way you played in the two matches that you did have here, and on the experience of being back at Wimbledon, the place of so many beautiful moments for you?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, of course it's incredible any time you get to play here. It just never gets old. Yeah, definitely not my best day. Maybe a few too many errors. But I think a lot of it was how she played.

I think the courts really work for her. It was just great play on her behalf.

Q. One of the commentators said on TV that you don't need to play here, you have nothing to prove. Do you feel you still need to keep playing at Wimbledon again and again and again?

VENUS WILLIAMS: I don't think anyone in life has anything to prove, you know. Each and every person can only breathe for themselves. No one else can breathe for you. No one has anything to prove to anyone in this life. The only thing you have to do is pay your taxes or else you're going to jail.

Q. Do you need to keep playing for your own well-being?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Do I need to play for my own well-being? That would be like addiction, wouldn't it?

Q. I wouldn't go that far personally.

VENUS WILLIAMS: I would (laughter).

Q. It might be what makes you more happy than anything else.

VENUS WILLIAMS: I would definitely go that far.

Q. You would?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Okay, yeah.

Q. All things being equal, if you can, do you want to be back here next year?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Of course. Who wouldn't want to be at Wimbledon? Lots of people want to be here.

Q. This is not your last Wimbledon?

VENUS WILLIAMS: You broke up, Katie (laughter).

Q. Can you hear me?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, I can hear you.

Yeah, when it's my last, I'll let you know.

Q. This is not your last?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, when it's my last, I'll let you all know. I'll give you a little whisper in your ear (smiling).

Q. How would you describe the emotional experience you had yesterday, to see what happened to Serena? How is she doing now?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, absolutely couldn't watch. It was too much. I just couldn't watch it. I know exactly what that feels like when, you know, all your faculties are taken away, things you work hard for and earn, and suddenly life happens.

Yeah, it was too much for me to watch.

Q. How is she doing now? What are your thoughts for her coming back here and playing the other majors, as you seem to want to do as well?

VENUS WILLIAMS: I think she's doing the best you can when you get hurt. It's awful. It sucks.

I can't speak for her. I mean, I think you probably had a chance to ask her that yesterday. If not, there will be another press conference whenever (laughter). Got to take your shot when you get it.

Good night, y'all.