CITI OPEN

August 1, 2022

Venus Williams

Press Conference

R. MARINO/V. Williams

4-6, 6-1, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Venus, obviously a very hard-fought battle out there today. How were you feeling out there on court?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, it was so much fun to play in D.C. It was nice to have the crowd behind me. Haven't played a singles match in a year, so definitely a great experience.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. What were you takeaways from the match? What could have made the difference?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, it's my first match, so I didn't think I played well a lot of the times. Just a little rusty. I really put myself in good positions in the third set, too.

Just trying to shake off some rust. That's just to be expected. All I can do is just play another tournament and play better.

Q. In other lead-up tournaments to the US Open, and the US Open, can we expect to see you in the doubles draw or mixed doubles draw?

VENUS WILLIAMS: No, I'm just playing singles right now.

Q. You talk about having fun out there. Can you talk about your love of tennis and what keeps you having fun out there, wanting to keep having this experience.

VENUS WILLIAMS: I don't know. I'm not necessarily thinking about fun. Just doing what I do. I don't think I really come at it from that aspect, per se.

Q. What do you love about what you do?

VENUS WILLIAMS: It's just wonderful to play tennis. I think everybody in this room loves the game.

Q. I know you practiced a bit this week with Serena. Could you tell us what that did for you getting in shape for this match, what it did for you as a sister to have her here?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, I think it was a real thrill for the crowd to see us hit together. We don't do it often at tournaments, so...

I think more than anything, it was just very exciting for the tournament.

Q. Were you surprised by the kind of reaction that you got from the fans?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, it's so much fun. I wish I could have pulled this match through for the crowd and for the tournament. But doesn't always work out.

Super reaction. D.C. is a great place to play tennis, and Mark does an amazing job with the tournament.

Q. I could be wrong, but I think you have a new racquet. Could you confirm if that's the case?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, looks a little different, doesn't it?

Q. Why did you want to change?

VENUS WILLIAMS: New year, new me.

Q. Is it different hitting with Serena now than it was when the two of you were growing up? Different experience that you have with her?

VENUS WILLIAMS: I think we just fall into step. We've been playing with each other since we were kids, so... It's just something that we've always done.