How could it be explained? How can Venus Williams time and time again rise up to the occasion in Wimbledon despite not playing well in Paris and then not practicing in any tune-up events on grass. This year, it seemed even more impressive with other top players (other than sister Serena) dropping out like flies throughout the first few days of Wimbledon. And yet, for anyone who watched Wimbledon, you will have seen how Venus was not even really worried throughout the event.
Venus had won one match against a top 20 player in the past 8 months or so (Vera Zvonareva in Rome) and yet in some way, she was able to come into Wimbledon with confidence. "It's nice coming to a tournament where you have a really good record, because obviously that gives good confidence"
It's as if the moment that Venus steps foot in the All-England Club, she forgets about everything else that's happened on and off the courts. "I just think it's the ultimate place to play your best tennis. The most wonderful tournament to win would definitely be here. I've been blessed to do well a few times here, so that feels obviously very good. I just love it here. It's good for my game, too."
Good for her game, yes obviously. With her very strong serve, and big reach, Venus is able to play a very agressive game on the grass courts. And perhaps even more important is how Venus can play short points in SW19 that allow her to escape her main weakness, that forehand that sometimes gives in other surfaces but rarely if ever does so on grass.
But it's still surprising that Venus is not able to put more of a fight in other events. She's had some decent results overall (her 50-10 record in 2007 is among the best on tour) but it seems like she's not been as dominant in the highlights except at Wimbledon..
Let's hope for Tennis' sake that Venus can translate a bit more of her Wimbledon confidence in other big events!!
# posted by Pierre : 3:57 AM
