Venus Interview-They Tried so Hard lol

[Bones08]

Q. Why do you think that got away from you?

VENUS WILLIAMS: I think she played good tennis today. Definitely I have to give a lot of credit to her. She played really well, made a lot of good shots. And, you know, I give her a lot of credit for playing good tennis.

Q. Was your strapped thigh any hindrance?

VENUS WILLIAMS: No. I mean, I don't like that tape. I don't like wearing it. But I think it helped me, if anything, for it to not get worse.

But I can't blame my loss on that. I think that she just played some good tennis.

Q. What did it specifically affect, the thigh? Was it the serve, pushing off for the serve?

VENUS WILLIAMS: No, it normally just affects your movement. I think I moved, you know, okay today. I don't think I ran as many balls down or played offensively on the defensive shot as well as I have in the past. And I think those things definitely make a difference in the match.

Q. She's talked a lot about having more fitness. Did you feel she was running more balls down? How much has she improved in the last few months?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, I think she's improved a lot. I think she's definitely improved on everything in her game. That's really what it takes at this level. You want to keep improving and playing, because we're all improving. So I definitely think she made a lot of improvements, and that's really good for her.

Q. Do you think you're still improving in your game?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, I definitely think I'm still improving. That's my goal: to be better every tournament. If I don't have that goal one day, then that's a problem.

Q. Can you specify what is wrong with your leg now that this is over for you?

VENUS WILLIAMS: I never talk about my injuries. I don't like things to get too blurred up, if I was injured or not.

Hey, I didn't win. I would have liked it to be different. But, unfortunately, I don't have a time machine, so I cannot reverse this loss. If any of you have one, please let me know.

Q. Are you affected by her squeaking when you tossed the ball?

VENUS WILLIAMS: It just means I didn't toss it the way I wanted to. I didn't hear her squeaking.

Q. Second thoughts about two hours of doubles yesterday?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Uhm, I love the doubles and I was really disappointed losing in the doubles, too. I wanted to win that title. Obviously, going into both the singles and the doubles, I felt like, okay, yeah, this is my title to win.

You know, it all counts as Grand Slams. I love winning in singles and doubles. So I'd do it again, yeah.

Q. Has to be a long time, if ever, since you and Serena lost singles and doubles within 24 hours at a big tournament. If people start talking about the Williams era being over, what would you have to say to them?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Well, there's been a lot of talk every single year. I think what's important to me is what goes on in my head. I've been a champion. I have full expectations and aspirations to continue to play high-quality tennis and to continue to be a champion.

And I think Serena and I, we don't have anything to prove. We get out there and we play

our best. I think the way we're playing still maintains what other women are doing in tennis. So I think we still set a very high standard.

Players are still playing very well. Everyone's improving. I don't get too caught up in what the next person thinks.

Q. Is there any lingering bad feeling or unfinished business with the scheduling issue the other night? You were talking to Craig Tiley about it.

VENUS WILLIAMS: That was Saturday. It's Wednesday now.

Q. Do you feel that was handled right? Did you feel like you were blamed for that in any way?

VENUS WILLIAMS: First and foremost, I don't read any of the news publications or any articles, so I'm not aware of anything that was printed, any hearsay or anything like that. So I can't comment on what actually went on outside of maybe this press room or any conversations I had with the tour directors or the tournament director.

I stated pretty clearly in my last couple of conferences how I felt about that.

Q. Obviously you reached the final here and had good results but never quite won the title. Anything in particular that's stopping you winning here? Is it the time of year that doesn't suit you?

VENUS WILLIAMS: I have no one to blame but myself. I definitely could have made a couple more shots today. I have to take full responsibility of my life and my career.

I would love to win here. I still think that I can. Unfortunately, it won't be this year.

Q. What is your schedule the next few months?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, I'm playing in Doha and then Memphis and Miami. I have a lot to look forward to.

Q. You wouldn't consider playing Indian Wells? There's a lot of points there.

VENUS WILLIAMS: You know, I think you know the answer to that one, so...

Q. The first six of the seven games went against serve. Did you find serving out there hard?

VENUS WILLIAMS: You know, I feel like my serve was not as effective as it normally is; that I didn't get as many free points today. Obviously she returned well. Even when she miss-hit some, it would land in. You know, I think I rely on my serve a lot. So if it's not there for me, I think when my serve isn't as much there for me, I have to grind a little bit more, maybe like someone who doesn't have as big a serve as me. I'm not really used to that.

It is what it is.

Q. The game is indebted to you because you raised the level of play when you were at your very best. Now you're partially responsible for everybody playing better, trying to catch up to you. Have you noticed a difference in the level of play as a group?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, I guess it's my own fault, huh? Maybe I should serve a little softer, not run as fast (smiling).

But I think everyone's playing better. I think she obviously hits a good ball. Everyone's hitting a good ball. Everyone's trying to hit harder, run faster and serve bigger.

I still feel like I do it, you know, just as good as the next person, and a lot of times better. So I still feel confident in my abilities.

Q. Losing the doubles and Serena losing yesterday, in any way do you try to avoid a down feeling?

VENUS WILLIAMS: I felt bad. I felt like it was me. We both always feel like, you know, we let each other down if we lose in the doubles. We felt bad.

But, uhm, you know, I think the other team played well, too. They just hung in there. They play a lot of doubles, too. So I think, you know, on some of the points, they were just a little bit better because they're playing doubles 24/7. So hopefully we'll play a little more doubles and make some better shots.

Q. How many tournaments do you plan to play doubles in?

VENUS WILLIAMS: I don't know. We'll see. I mean, I would like to not be strapped, if possible. So we'll see. But I do enjoy the doubles. I think it helps the singles.

Q. All the slams, though?

VENUS WILLIAMS: I don't know. Probably not. Maybe Wimbledon. We'll see.


She could have downplayed Ana so much and they tried so many times to bait her into saying something negative and she didn't

 

[Tempest344]

signs of growing up and losing the arrogance perhaps?

on second thoughts
we'll see

 

[Phil]

That's pretty sad if you have to create a thread emphasizing the fact that, for once, neither of the Williams sisters made excuses for losing or showed contempt or outright ignored their victorious opponents.

I'm no fan of the Williams bashing on this board, but your thread helps to perpetuate the bad will toward them, rather than paint a pretty picture. One interview does not a change of attitude make, but we'll see.

 

[Bones08]

That's pretty sad if you have to create a thread emphasizing the fact that, for once, neither of the Williams sisters made excuses for losing or showed contempt or outright ignored their victorious opponents.

I'm no fan of the Williams bashing on this board, but your thread helps to perpetuate the bad will toward them, rather than paint a pretty picture. One interview does not a change of attitude make, but we'll see.

If you say so...I posted on Venus Williams, not Serena...Venus has given credit alot more in her career and other posters on here even say that.

 

[35ft6]

You're right, OP. They were trying really hard to get her to make an excuse. I wonder if the reporters, who probably know each other, have a running bet or something.

 

[Defcon]

Admiring the Williams sisters for one decent interview is like admiring a serial killer for cleaning up the blood.

I bet they received some PR coaching because both their interviews sound suspiciously similar and very out of character - lets see how long they can keep this up.

 

[35ft6]

^ Being coached for interviews is part of the curriculum at some of the academies. Seriously. Anyway, isn't it a GOOD thing when people exhibit a positive change?

 

[princess bossass]

???

What is this squeaking they're talking about? Ana's shoes?

 

[Phil]

^ Being coached for interviews is part of the curriculum at some of the academies. Seriously. Anyway, isn't it a GOOD thing when people exhibit a positive change?

Sure it's a good thing...that is, if it's genuine and not "coached". I'd rather see her spout off even in defeat, as she usually does, then act like some listless, colorless robot. Why should she be controlled? I like the unbridled Serena, and also like how it gets all the a holes on the Board in a tizzy.

 

[Deuce]

Admiring the Williams sisters for one decent interview is like admiring a serial killer for cleaning up the blood.

I bet they received some PR coaching because both their interviews sound suspiciously similar and very out of character - lets see how long they can keep this up.

Indeed. I noticed the same thing, and have the same perspective on the reason.

^ Being coached for interviews is part of the curriculum at some of the academies. Seriously. Anyway, isn't it a GOOD thing when people exhibit a positive change?

No - certainly not if it's coached and less than genuine.

I much prefer genuine arrogance to a phony showing of 'respect'.

 

[TennisandMusic]

Venus has always given more credit than Serena. I don't see anything out of the ordinary here. Though I do not agree that Venus raised the level of the women's game. No one playing today is a Graf, Navratoliva, Seles etc. It's not even close in my opinion.

 

[Service Ace]

Venus has always given more credit than Serena. I don't see anything out of the ordinary here.

Exactly. Venus was never one to not give credit to her opponents. You "people" just lump her in with Serena and pass all of her vices onto Venus. And you just come off as complete jack@sses when you do it.

 

[CityHeightsTennis]

Venus has always given more credit than Serena. I don't see anything out of the ordinary here. Though I do not agree that Venus raised the level of the women's game. No one playing today is a Graf, Navratoliva, Seles etc. It's not even close in my opinion.

Henin.............?

 

[OrangeOne]

Venus has always given more credit than Serena. I don't see anything out of the ordinary here. Though I do not agree that Venus raised the level of the women's game. No one playing today is a Graf, Navratoliva, Seles etc. It's not even close in my opinion.

Like them or not, it's impossible for any rational & logical tennis fan to deny that the Williams sisters had an impact on women's tennis. They both showed that being very physically & mentally strong can yield massive results.

I can't help but think that anyone claiming otherwise isn't being too rational or logical, or perhaps has other issues.

For the record on the thread: I was always of the impression that Venus was more likely to give a balanced perspective than Serena, who often does sound both rude and arrogant, sometimes when it's completely baseless.

 

[CanadianChic]

I agree with this post. Well said OO.

 

[Morrissey]

Admiring the Williams sisters for one decent interview is like admiring a serial killer for cleaning up the blood.

I bet they received some PR coaching because both their interviews sound suspiciously similar and very out of character - lets see how long they can keep this up.

Lol, nice analogy. I'll use it as my sig.

 

[Morrissey]

The reason why they should be coached to be classy in interviews should go hand in hand with your parents raising you right and not be a pr1ck. Why should any of us listen to anyone? But if being a stupid spoiled sore loser is considered being "genuine" then I'd rather be a robot.

 

[Deuce]

The reason why they should be coached to be classy in interviews should go hand in hand with your parents raising you right and not be a pr1ck. Why should any of us listen to anyone? But if being a stupid spoiled sore loser is considered being "genuine" then I'd rather be a robot.

Of course, you're conveniently omitting the best option... which is to learn a genuine humility for one's abilities and a genuine respect for others who deserve your respect.

 

[Morrissey]

Of course, you're conveniently omitting the best option... which is to learn a genuine humility for one's abilities and a genuine respect for others who deserve your respect.

Exactly. Since when is being a humble, good, human being is considered a robot? If the Williams sisters can't be those things and be spoiled brats with sour grapes to boot then they deserve every bit of criticism in here. No one should defend their classless actions.

 

[barry]

Like them or not, it's impossible for any rational & logical tennis fan to deny that the Williams sisters had an impact on women's tennis. They both showed that being very physically & mentally strong can yield massive results.

I can't help but think that anyone claiming otherwise isn't being too rational or logical, or perhaps has other issues.

For the record on the thread: I was always of the impression that Venus was more likely to give a balanced perspective than Serena, who often does sound both rude and arrogant, sometimes when it's completely baseless.

The Williams sisters had a real impact on me; I quit watching Women's tennis. Averaging 50 unforced errors a match is boring, plus most of the time when they lose said they were injured or some other lame excuse.

I don't think they are good for tennis; they get entirely too much air time, and play boring tennis. Think of all the good matches we missed out on, forced to watch the William sisters.

 

[fps]

Exactly. Since when is being a humble, good, human being is considered a robot? If the Williams sisters can't be those things and be spoiled brats with sour grapes to boot then they deserve every bit of criticism in here. No one should defend their classless actions.

Tell me which interview of Venus' you are referring to. She's always been classy in interviews as far as I can remember. Serena's the *****.

 

[Gimmick]

Like them or not, it's impossible for any rational & logical tennis fan to deny that the Williams sisters had an impact on women's tennis. They both showed that being very physically & mentally strong can yield massive results.

I can't help but think that anyone claiming otherwise isn't being too rational or logical, or perhaps has other issues.

For the record on the thread: I was always of the impression that Venus was more likely to give a balanced perspective than Serena, who often does sound both rude and arrogant, sometimes when it's completely baseless.

Well said, I agree that Venus is more likely to give a balanced perspective and she's more fun to watch.

 

[WBF]

Like them or not, it's impossible for any rational & logical tennis fan to deny that the Williams sisters had an impact on women's tennis. They both showed that being very physically & mentally strong can yield massive results.

I can't help but think that anyone claiming otherwise isn't being too rational or logical, or perhaps has other issues.

For the record on the thread: I was always of the impression that Venus was more likely to give a balanced perspective than Serena, who often does sound both rude and arrogant, sometimes when it's completely baseless.

Good post.

I am one of the biggest anti-fans of Serena. There have been no situations where I have wanted her to win. She seems like an ugly (personality wise) person. Same with her Dad. I am a fan of Venus though.