Friday, 18 May, 2012

An interview with: Serena Williams

Q: So now I think the word is that we have to be careful about you.

WILLIAMS: No. I don't know.

Q: Is that…… inaudible

WILLIAMS: Yes – especially when you are starting a match and getting into it
and then you know………. But there is a good side to it and for me it was
good because I have played every day and every Saturday and I haven't had a
day off.

Q: Looking at last year, or is it too early but comparing your level on clay
, are you going into the French Open a little better?

WILLIAMS: Well, I am playing better and I am in a better position also with
the ranking and so ----- and regarding fitness and and my lungs are good and
so I think I am good this time round.

Q: Can you tell us if you prefer clay or …….. inaudible

WILLIAMS: I can't remember my game back then. I've played on ice, and on
water and I can play on any surface. This is not important for me and it’s a
good attitude for me this.

Q: inaudible

WILLIAMS: I love being out there and tennis is what I do best

Q: Did you say anything to Flavia in the locker room

WILLIAMS: Yes – its always difficult but… I hope she's feeling better.

Q: Can you tell us about the comment by Ljubicic about US players and red
clay. I mean – he said that the USA players don't enjoy coming to Europe to
play on red clay and they prefer to stay in the US and play on hard……

WILLIAMS: No, I didn't hear that. I mean .. inaudible

Q: You day other day you said you love to .travel?

WILLIAMS: I love to travel and its just fun to be here and I love the cities
and the culture and its great for me to see architecture and cultures .

Q: What about days off ?

WILLIAMS: Nothing. Just relaxing and a semi half day off. I'll probably play
tomorrow and probably early and so I have this press conference and then some
commitments and then just relax

Q: Inaudible ice cream?  Can you tell us something?

WILLIAMS: No. I haven't had gelato for ages .. I'm allergic and that sad.

Q: Someone heard you speaking Italian on court. How is that?

WILLIAMS: I have a lot of friends in Rome but I get nervous when I speak .. I
just want to be do good and then I start to speak French and then I say, oh
No.

Q: Inaudible

WILLIAMS: She isn't allowed in my home until she is 21. She can come to Paris
cos that isn't my home but I won't invite her to my home.

Q: I that a good rule for you or for her.

WILLIAMS: For her.

Q: Say something about Li Na.

WILLIAMS: Li Na and Cibulkova are tough. Li Na is the defending French Open
champion and she is a really good test to play against because she is a good
all-round player. She is just do fit.

Q: How arduous in the next 2, 3 months with the French Open, Wimbledon and
the Olympics and then the US Open.

WILLIAMS: It will be hard and difficult and I am going to go there,.,. I
definitely think I can do it bit this is going to be one of my tough years

Q: You are on the players council ……..

WILLIAMS: Yes….. inaudible…… the WTA has different rules for players and
for tournaments and even in the US we have people that don't always agree
like Congress…… Sometimes you need to favour the Tournaments.

Q: But is there a good balance between tournaments and the players rights?

WILLIAMS: A great balance. There are still rumours that they will change……
but its 100% better than 4 or 5 ---- oh, I can't remember how long ago but
its much better.

Q: Do you sympathise with what Azarenka did, to play a match and not go away
with zero points.

WILLIAMS: Everyone is injured and its really good and I hope she gets better.
It's good showing up.

Q: Which Serena are we talking to today?

WILLIAMS: The Serena that is waiting for the next question and then just
wants to go and lie down.