XXIX OLYMPIC GAMES

August 12, 2008

Venus Williams

BEIJING, CHINA

V. WILLIAMS/I. Benesova
6-1, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. You won almost every point on your first serve. You did have a few double
faults. How did you feel you served overall?
VENUS WILLIAMS: You know, I think my serve was good. I definitely would have
wanted a few more first serves in. But I felt like any time that I needed to
serve well, I did, if I was down Love-30, or a 30-All point.
I'm not sure that I faced any breakpoints today, so that's really good.
That's good for me going on in the later rounds, that I'm tough on my serve.

Q. I noticed you were fanning yourself when you came in. How did you find the
heat out there today?
VENUS WILLIAMS: No, I just haven't cooled off yet. I'm still sweating.

Q. Pretty hot out there today?
VENUS WILLIAMS: It could be hotter. I was grateful for the conditions today,
because it could be warmer. I was okay.

Q. I don't know if you're thinking about it, but Serena has won her game
here, too. Are you looking for a family final at the Olympics?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I mean, that would be fantastic. Obviously, it's a long ways
away, but the third round makes it closer. I'm really excited for both of us
to be playing really well for the U.S., then trying to play great doubles
today, too.

Q. Can you talk about the whole Olympic setup, the stadium. How does this
compare to some of the other major events you've played around the world?
VENUS WILLIAMS: This is fantastic. It's huge. It's actually a really
beautiful center. I think it's right up there with -- second to the Grand
Slam facilities, I think this is the next best one.

Q. Wimbledon, US Open facility?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Like I said, second to the Grand Slams. I think this is
second to the slams.

Q. The Olympics ever reach the actual level of the other Grand Slams?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I said the venue was -- but I think for me, the Olympics is
on the same level as a slam.

Q. The other day Serena was asked to compare Grand Slams to the Olympics. She
said you grow up working to win Grand Slams, but her Olympic gold medal is
what she's proudest to show people. What are your thoughts?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Definitely. I mean, I grew up watching the Olympics. And my
dad really loved the Olympics. The first time I played in Sydney was because
he loved the Olympics so much, and that's why I played. After that, I began
to love the Olympics because of that. Obviously, some great results there.
So I think for me, it's just -- I would say definitely. I never show anyone
my medals unless they ask. I don't want to boast. The ultimate boast is
Olympic gold. I want to be modest. If someone asks and they come to my house,
I'll show them. Of course, I show them my whole pin collection first. They
have to look at the whole pin collection, then I'll show them my medals.

Q. The mental setup, the mental orientation prior to a Grand Slam or the
Olympics, is it the same, the mental preparation?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I think that the mental preparation, it's very much the same.
I think the Olympics is a high-pressure situation for most athletes,
including tennis players. So I think it's pretty much on the same level
because I think people even play harder because they're playing for their
country. So it's a whole different kind of pride that goes into the
competition.

Q. Did you find any change in the quality of the air after the rains or is
the pollution level the same?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I think the conditions are much easier after the rain. I'm no
weather expert, so I don't know exactly what has happened. But it's
definitely cooler, and I think that's huge. Because before that, the air, it
was just so hot. It was tough out there.
But hopefully it will stay like this.

Q. Can you talk about Chinese hospitality and your own experiences meeting
other athletes from other sports?
VENUS WILLIAMS: I think the Chinese are just extremely polite, even in the
worst situations. No matter what, it's always a smile and thank you. So I
think that's really an amazing quality.
I've got to meet a few athletes. Unfortunately, it's just been a lot of
tennis so far. Just been at the site all day every day. Hopefully maybe I'll
get a chance to go over to the village.

Q. After the first two victories, are you getting more confidence, mentally
stronger for the next challenge that you know could be stronger for you?
VENUS WILLIAMS: Oh, absolutely. I definitely feel more confident with every
match that passes. I mean, that's what winning does. So it's normal. And I'm
looking forward to whoever comes, and to play well, and just go get ready for
the doubles now.