“I feel like it’s been too long!” » Launched Venus Williams with a smile, after putting her backpack near her chair for her press conference at the IGA stadium.
Nobody had previously noticed that said backpack was hiding his little dog, who quickly betrayed his presence with a subtle bark while his owner answered a question. “That’s my dog, sorry,” the 43-year-old dropped out, causing the room to roar with laughter.
This gives an idea of the atmosphere that reigned at the press conference of one of the most anticipated players of this edition of the Montreal tournament. With legendary calm, a jersey with the image of Janet Jackson on her back, the American answered each question with a smile and an almost soothing lightness.
Injured again at Wimbledon a few weeks ago, she had to “work a lot” to make sure she made it to Montreal. But she wanted to participate in the National Bank Open.
“To be honest, I’m tired of being hurt. I am hurt all the time. I couldn’t believe it had happened again. I never played much here in my career and I didn’t want to miss it so I gave everything to be there. I will give everything on the court. »
The seven-time Grand Slam champion may be approaching her mid-forties, but she is still passionate about her sport. It shows in his simple decision to keep playing, and it shows in his responses. Every day, she makes the choice to go to training, and this is undoubtedly what she finds the hardest at this point in her career, she admitted on Sunday.
“I don’t know how other people train, but I train until I fail. When the day is over, it’s because I couldn’t have done more. The next day begins and it is the same until failure. That kind of intensity is a lot, but that’s what’s needed. That’s all I know. »
Hours before Venus Williams’ talk, Leylah Fernandez told us she was inspired by her American colleague, whom she called a “great legend.”
“She’s an inspiration too because she’s done a lot for women in the world of tennis,” Fernandez noted. […] She is very kind ; we talk sometimes and she encourages me, she gives me a few words of motivation for my career. »
Williams, on the other hand, did not recall giving advice to his young Quebec counterpart.
“We talked to each other a lot during the pandemic and the years after that. We haven’t done that as much recently, probably because I’ve never been on the circuit. She’s on the circuit all the time! Me, I’m at home watching TV,” Williams chuckled.
The eldest of the Williams sisters then took advantage of the mention of Fernandez to go on a slew of compliments towards the young woman of 20 years, praising her attitude on the court.
“I don’t remember [the] advice [I gave her], but I’m glad I helped her. I would love to take credit for all his success! she added jokingly.
Still, Williams likes this veteran role, which she has been dragging for a few years now. After all, 21 years separate her from the world’s number one racquet, Iga Swiatek.
“Any players who ask me for advice, I’m always open. I like to see others do well. And I like to see people happy. It’s the best thing in the world to follow your dream and be happy while you’re doing it. »
“Are you [happy]?” then asked a colleague.
” Me ? Of course ! Yes. Thanks for asking,” the athlete simply replied in a zenitude that left no doubt as to the truth of the claim.
The world’s number one racquet, Iga Swiatek, was the last to meet the media on Sunday afternoon. The Pole, who triumphed at Roland-Garros two months ago, was amused at the idea of playing in a stadium which, by pure coincidence, bears her name. “It’s a huge privilege,” she joked. Let’s pretend this is the real story. It’s just a coincidence, but it’s fun. I feel happier when I see it’s the Iga stadium. They should do this more often. »
