TENNIS WIMBLEDON 2014 – 24th of June. S. Williams d. A. Tatishvili 6-1, 6-2. An interview with Serena Williams
Q. Long first game, but after that you seemed to get your feet under you pretty well. How important was that first game? Did it settle you down any?
SERENA WILLIAMS: It was very important. I think she played well. In the first game I think I made an error or two, but it wasn’t like I played terrible in the first game.
But she hit some great shots.
Q. You play another American in the next round potentially. Christina McHale, what do you know about her game?
SERENA WILLIAMS: She’s a really, really good player actually. She’s feisty and she’s quick. She’s a dynamic player. She does everything well.
So players like that, it’s interesting to try to figure out what their weakness is because they don’t really have anything overwhelming as a weakness because they do everything really well all around. It will be really interesting.
Q. The USA plays Germany tomorrow. What is your thought on the game and the World Cup right now?
SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, you know, we were so close to getting that win. I was really sad. We could have been in first place, which really would have been awesome.
Could have, should have, would have, doesn’t matter. We’re still tied for first technically. We’re still trying to go on. I think U.S. soccer is coming a long way.
I love watching the U.S. men soccer players play. I’m supporting the whole way.
Q. With all the success you and your sister have had here, all the titles you have won, obviously what you do is working. I’m curious why you’ve never played grass court warmup tournaments. Did it ever occur to you?
SERENA WILLIAMS: I’ve played a couple in my career.
Q. But it’s not something you do regularly the way a lot of other players do. I’m wondering why that came about.
SERENA WILLIAMS: I just don’t know. I never usually play. I played a couple times. It didn’t work out for me.
I think getting here, getting here early on the grass and practicing here is a better option.
Q. When did you get here this time?
SERENA WILLIAMS: I arrived Sunday.
Q. After Paris, how long did it take you to regroup and get refocused and remotivated?
SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, it didn’t take too long. I just took a couple of days off.
The day I stepped on the court, it was a lot of focus and intent.
Q. You were just asked about the Miami Heat. What are your thoughts about LeBron James opting out and keeping his options open? What would you like to see happen?
SERENA WILLIAMS: Obviously, we’d like to see him stay in Miami. But, hey, you got to keep your options open I guess.
I don’t know. It will be really sad to lose him. He’s such a wonderful, great player. He’s brought so many championships to Miami. Hopefully he’ll opt to stay.
Q. You said a little while ago it’s too early to talk about week two. How about reflecting back, when you and Venus are both in the second week playing at your best in the tournament late, what is the feeling you get because Venus is there with you?
SERENA WILLIAMS: It’s a great feeling. You know, we motivate each other. We want to do well. When she does one, I want to do one. We just always keep each other motivated.
