Olympics still special for Williams sisters
They may have won 21 Grand Slam singles titles between them, not
counting their doubles successes together, but Venus and Serena Williams
insisted Tuesday the Olympic Games were still special.
Many observers have argued that sports like tennis, where winning
Olympic gold is not the ultimate achievement compared say to a Wimbledon
or US Open title, ought not to be in the Games.
However, the Williams sisters -- the defending Olympic women's
doubles champions from Beijing, having also won gold together at the
2000 Sydney Games -- insisted there was nothing to compare to Olympic
competition.
"I think growing up as tennis players we always dream of winning
Grand Slams and doing well at tournaments like Wimbledon but to have the
opportunity to win a gold medal and be mentioned among the greatest
athletes is an honour," said younger sister Serena.
"For me every tournament I've won, I enjoy my gold medal probably the
most." Venus, at 32, two years older than Serena, added: "When you're at
tournaments and announce your name if it has 'Olympian' and 'gold
medallist' behind you it's such a thrill and it's not something you ever
get over.
"We do feel that spirit of representing our country, this is an event
that brings the whole world together, so we're part of that great
movement," insisted Venus, who also won singles gold in Sydney.
With the Olympic tennis tournament being staged at Wimbledon, it
means the world's leading players return to the famed grasscourts in
just a matter of weeks rather than waiting a year between visits as
normally happens.
For Serena, who won her fifth Wimbledon singles title this year, as
well as teaming with her sister for a fifth Wimbledon doubles crown, it
is an experience she is relishing.
"I think it's exciting to be back so soon. Usually we have to wait 12
months to walk back on Centre Court so I'm going to be really excited to
have that quick turnaround and get back on the grass where I love to
play." At Wimbledon, players must wear mainly white clothing, the
traditional colour associated with tennis, while the Championships are
also notable for their lack of sponsor signage around the courts. AFP
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