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I Like Winning, Says Venus

DUBAI — Venus Williams, who made the ‘power game’ look elegant in women’s tennis, says she never liked doing things her friends did during her 
early teens.

“No, I never did,” she says with a smile when asked her if she ever kept a diary when she was growing up.

“I never was that kind of girl. I wasn’t a girly-girl, you know,” the seven-time Grand Slam winner told reporters after demolishing rising German star Sabine Lisicki in straight sets in the second round of the Dubai Tennis Championships on Tuesday night.

Even after their countless victories on tennis courts, the world number five still has an idea about the number of trophies she and her sister, Serena, have won.

“Between singles and doubles, I’m sure over 100 trophies we have won,” the five-time Wimbledon champion says. “My house is packed full of trophies. Between Serena and I, it’s like a legendary house. They’re like everywhere. We’re trying to build new cases for them. It’s awesome.”

Who cleans them? “Well, we have some help with that. Our first trophies are at our dad’s house. The first US Open trophy and all of those, he 
has those.

“I tried to sneak them out once. He didn’t like it, so I thought I would let him have it. They’re safe with him, 
you know.”

There was a glint in her eye when she was asked about the tournaments she has won in her glittering career.

“I mean, I feel like I’ve won almost every tournament (laughing). So that’s a good feeling. I guess I can say, you know, I did it. But I just like to win again. It’s such a nice feeling and to bring the trophy home.”

The defending champion here at the Dubai championships says she would like to win another title at this 
‘desert venue’.

“I like winning. And this is, you know, the place everyone wants to be in. These are big tournaments.

“So I don’t take it for granted. Any time I lose a game, obviously, it’s a wake-up call. ‘Hey, you’re losing a game’. So I have a desire every time I walk out on court.

“I mean, I’m not willing to hang on to anything. I’m all about getting the new thing.

“So I don’t have that mentality, ‘Oh, my God, I have to defend.’ Fortunately, I’ve never thought like that. So it definitely takes a lot of pressure off me, I guess. I’m just here to get 
another title.”

The former world number one actually has become an admirer of the Dubai Tennis Championships.

“This tournament has done so well. People love this tournament. I think in the case of this tournament, they’ve done a really good job promoting. People now look forward to coming here every February.”

rituraj@khaleejtimes.com