of the U.S Open at Flushing Meadows. In this interview,, Serena,
outlines her mission at the ongoing tournament and reveals why she has
remained a dominant force in the game. Excerpts:
How much harder on your body would it be over time if you had to play five sets?
SERENA : I have never thought about that. I don't know. I really don't
know. I can't answer that fairly I don't think.
Do you think it's funny that the guys play five and women play three?
Would you want it to be equal?
No, it's definitely not funny. We actually offered to play five sets
many times. They don't want the women to play five sets. They prefer
we play three sets. We've given that offer many, many, many occasions,
but it's not what the tournaments in general desire.
Do you talk to the WTA or the tournaments themselves?
I'm on the Player Council for a hundred years. We've had this
discussion. Yeah, we women are strong, ready, willing and able. All
the players have agreed to it but it's not what they want right at
this time.
If you were in charge of the whole sport and could change any rule
about play, enact a new rule, what one thing would you like to do?
Well, I think I love tennis the way it is. I think it's a great game.
As for changing the rules, yeah, I don't know. It would be something
more technical. Nothing that I can think of in terms of tennis play.
What is so special about playing here in New York as opposed to
playing any of the other tournaments or slams?
Well, playing in New York is great because I'm American, it's the only
Grand Slam in the USA, so it's always good. When you're young, you
always dream of winning the Open. It's a good feeling.
One of the things Taylor was saying, the great thing about playing
against you is she would like to play till she's 30 years old. What
does it take to stand the test of time?
Well, I think you just have to have a real love for the sport. That's
the only reason I'm still here. I enjoy my job. It's fabulous. I get
to travel the world, get to do what I really love to do. I think
that's what everyone ultimately dreams of.
Given the setbacks in the previous Grand Slams, have you changed your
preparation at all?
I've decided I'm not going to overthink it. I think I've overthought
every Grand Slam so far this year. It didn't really work out great for
me. So worst-case scenario, I'm just going to stay positive and do the
best I can. That's all I can do.
Taylor told a story about being here seven years ago and watching you
and your sister play. How does that make you feel? What does that say
about your longevity?
Well, that's kind of awesome. When you're so young, you get to see
people, then you play on the tour with them, you're competing at the
same level as well as them, it's really just those, if anything, a
desire for her to be 10 years old, and then all of a sudden to be one
of the elite few that actually can make it in a Grand Slam. If
anything, I think it speaks more to her.
Would you like to see more tournaments come back to New York?
I think there was always just this.
Virginia Slims used to be here.
That's even before my time (smiling).
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