The Hindu : Sport : Serena excited about coming to India

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Feb 03, 2007
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Serena excited about coming to India

Nandita Sridhar

Chennai: Fighting the odds, living out near-impossible dreams and competing with undiluted ferocity, Serena Williams has done them all in her remarkable career.

Her Australian Open win has given women's tennis the much-needed competitive boost, and eight Grand Slams now don't seem quite enough for the 25-year-old.

With a Grand Slam champion on her way, tennis fans in Bangalore have got a lot more than what they bargained for. In an e-mail interview with The Hindu, Serena dwelt on her comeback and how excited she was about playing in India for the first time.

Q: What were your expectations for the Australian Open in the beginning of the year?

A: To be frank, I wanted to go out there and try my best. Every tournament I enter, I try and win every match.

Q: How are your fitness levels now when compared to last year? Are you feeling 100 per cent fit for the 2007 season?

A: Yeah! I'm in good shape but can get in better shape and am feeling extremely confident heading into the '07 season.

Q: What goals do you have in mind now for 2007?

A: I don't make my goals public but I can tell you I always try and win every match I play, and that means every tournament I play in. Of course, I want to win more Grand Slams in 2007.

Q: Are you taking any specific precautionary measures to make sure that the knee injury (kept her out last year) doesn't surface again? Have you made any changes to your game or your training methods to remain injury-free?

A: I'm just hoping that I go injury-free for the rest of my career. I am always changing up my routines to make them interesting. I am right now focussing on flexibility.

Q: How do you feel about your game now? How much time do you think you need to reach your best again?

A: Well, doesn't get much better than winning the first Grand Slam of the season so I am very excited. I will surely work harder to win more. There is no limit for reaching the best.

Q: What were your thoughts last year when you were forced to sit out of tournaments? How confident were you of getting back to your winning ways?

A: It was frustrating not to be able to play because of injuries but at the same time, it allowed me to do other stuff like hanging out with my family that I wasn't able to do previously. I am a confident person and knew that once I was healthy I could win again.

Q: Do you think that the physical nature of women's tennis and the packed schedule is resulting in a lot more injuries and pull-outs? Is that one of the reasons for your injury?

A: Yes. Players are getting hurt and it's not good for the game. Too many tournaments over too long a period of time, but that should be changing in the years to come. I hope the new WTA Tour schedule restructuring from 2010 will help the players.

Q: What chances do you think tennis fans have of seeing an all-Williams Grand Slam final in the future?

A: Very good! I already won the first Grand Slam this year and I know Venus will be back at the top of her game soon. I can't wait to play Venus in the finals of a Grand Slam this year!

Q: Does it worry you that there are not many Americans now at the top of women's tennis?

A: I just won a Grand Slam and Venus will be back soon so America will be in good hands!

Q: What are your thoughts on visiting India for the first time for the WTA tournament at Bangalore?

A: I'm extremely excited to get to India. I have heard so much about the country. I'm always excited to see a new culture and a new country. Fashion, textures of hair, food, all of it excites me

Q: Two years after you beat her in the Australian Open, what do you think of the progress that Sania Mirza has made?

A: She is a great player who always seems to play her best against me. She fights and continues to hit very well. I hope to see more of her in future.

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