Venus Williams: I know how to play tennis…I like to think I’m good at this

Kateryna Kozlova was seven months old when Venus Williams turned professional in 1994, and the 22-year-old faced the American legend in her first Australian Open appearance. After putting up a strong fight against the former World no.1, Kozlova lost the match 6-7, 5-7. However, the Ukranian earned a lot of praise from Williams, who highlighted her defence in her post-match interview.

“She played amazing. Hardly any errors, she played amazing defence. She didn’t make it easy, so it’s really satisfying to get past a player who’s on fire,” Williams said, reported Reuters.

When asked about how she keeps beating such younger players, Venus Williams said, “Well I know how to play tennis … You know, I like to think I’m good at this. She hasn’t had the years that I’ve had yet. Se hasn’t had the grey hairs that I’m dying, the wrinkles that I’m hiding. You’re trying to make me feel old now!”

Venus Williams, who once again made her presence felt in the 2016 season and reached her highest ranking since 2011, has hoped for an even better 2017.

I’ve not come all the way to Australia for kicks and giggles, I’m here to be competitive.

Venus Williams

“I’m always ready. 2017 is going to be a wonderful year, and it’s been a wonderful start with this win and I couldn’t ask for any more – except a win in the second round, and third and so on,” she added.

Venus will face Stefanie Vogele, who came up through the qualifiers, in the next round, and she is keen to win her first singles Grand Slam since 2008. “I’ve not come all the way to Australia for kicks and giggles, I’m here to be competitive,” she said.

“Each player in the draw has an unbelievable ability to play tennis. There are some that have won more championships than others, but it’s because we know how to play this game, and it’s pretty serious stuff for us.”