Advertisement

Serena Williams looking forward to Toronto's Rogers Cup

Serena Williams looking forward to Toronto's Rogers Cup

Serena Williams, three-quarters of the way to a calender Grand Slam, will stop off in Toronto Aug. 10-16 to take part in the Rogers Cup.

She expounded on a few topics during a conference call with the media Thursday.

How she feels about her game:

“Right now I feel okay about my game, always trying to improve, never too comfortable because that’s when I think you’re susceptible to losing, and I just want to continue to get better.

On what the Rogers Cup can do for her:

“I haven’t played on a hard court in a while, so this will be a good opportunity to get some matches on hard court, go forward with just winning some matches there and getting ready for the US Open, which I’m defending that title. So hopefully I’ll be able to do that.”

What do you love about Toronto?

“Just been a really great time for me, I’ve a lot of fun in Toronto, and I’ve been going there for so many years, always been one of my favourite places to play.  The tournament there, they’re really player-friendly, always good things for the players to enjoy the city as well as play.”

On Canadian Genie Bouchard's struggles:

“I think I’m not one to speak out and give anyone advice,  I think she’s doing a great job, she has a lot of things going for her, and she has a very bright future. I don’t think she needs any advice. She’s doing well, and she’ll be totally fine.”

How she feels heading into the summer:

“Heading into the summer I feel okay. I always have a little nerves, and little trepidation, but right now I feel I don’t have anything to lose. I’m just going to have to go there and maintain. I think that’s a really unique position to be in. ... The US Open obviously means a lot of me; it’s always really exciting to be there to play. I look forward to that. Pretty much every player pretty much loves playing at the US Open, and I do, too.”

Toughest competition in Toronto:

“I always get really tough draws, I always make sure I start strong and not underestimate anyone, and just be ready to go. ... It’s not easy. I enjoy the challenge, You’ve got to enjoy the challenge. I’m up for it, and I’m usually excited to see what happens.”

What makes playing in Toronto so special?

“I have a good history there, I think when you enjoy going to a city, that makes it fun."

Serena celebrates the Serena Slam after the Wimbledon final earlier this month. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)
Serena celebrates the Serena Slam after the Wimbledon final earlier this month. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)

About potentially making history in New York:

“I’m not thinking about it much. Just really excited to achieve that Serena Slam, for me that was really important. That was something I really wanted to do, was really nervous to do. Once I felt I could win four in a row I felt I would be fine. Holding all four trophies at one time, two times in one career, not sure that’s been done too often.”

How she ranks this year compared to other great years:

“I honestly felt in 2012 I had a really good year, started off a little slow but it picked up so much. I felt if I could have just half of that year next year I’d be happy. In 2013 I had a better year than 2012. 2014 wasn’t as great, but I did win a Grand Slam. I did end the year well. I didn’t think it could get better than 2013 and now I’m playing some of my best mental tennis. I feel like my actual tennis, I can play a lot better, so knowing that is really encouraging going into 2016.”

Is it more gratifying at your age?

“I feel like I’ve definitely gotten a little better. Is it more gratifying? I don’t know. Whether I’m 20, or 18, or six, or 30, or 80. I feel like I appreciate it more, but I really don’t feel, or act, my age."