Saturday, 19 May, 2012

An interview with: Serena Williams

Q: Serena – First  question . What happened and when did you realise that
you were not going to play today?

WILLIAMS: I had some problems with the lower back earlier week – it was
feeling a little stiff and I don’t think this is the right moment to force…
..

Q: What are you thinking about all of the things that are coming up in next
months?

WILLIAMS: There is a huge schedule coming up and when a little pain you can't
…. you just want to compensate and I have had a long treatment for the last
couple months …….. and so I just want to relax and get ready for next few
months. I had a really great time ……

Q: You suffered an injury and had to pull out in Cincinnati. Is this similar
to that and is this going to affect your preparation for the French Open.

WILLIAMS: I feel fine.  Its just with a lot coming up and this is a good week
to get better and I'm confident that I'll be 100%.

Q: Yesterday was quite a short match. If Flavia hadn't retired and you had to
play a full match would you have retired yesterday.

WILLIAMS: I would have played to see how I felt towards the end of the match
and depends on how my back was doing towards the end of the match.

Q: Do you think this problem is related to the special conditions in Madrid?

WILLIAMS: Not at all. Its just life and playing a lot and the body is just
getting used to playing a lot of matches and that’s all.

Q: On the injury side your form has been as spectacular. You could have
equalled your best ever run if you had ever played today. How do you feel
apart form that with the long slog ahead.

WILLIAMS: It feels good and I feel my form is good and hopefully I will be
able to do good and stay in form and do well.

Q: Do you have plans for today and tomorrow here in Rome.

WILLIAMS: I love Rome and I might stay today and tomorrow. I mean, I meant to
play – I mean to take a day or a couple of day off. I don't have any plans.
I don't have any plans because my plans were to play tennis.