Williams: I’m always ready

 

Originally published on: 25/06/13 00:00

The American swept past the world No.92 from Luxembourg 6-1 6-3 in just under an hour to set up a second round clash with French youngster Caroline Garcia, who saw off Jie Zheng in straight sets.

After the match the defending champion admitted it took her some time to adjust to the surface in her first grass-court outing of the season.

“I played a lot of matches on clay this year, more than I've played I think ever. And I had a little tough time adjusting today,” said Williams.

“You have to definitely adapt to the bounce. You have to adapt to the games going really fast, the match moving really fast, points are fast.  Also they're really low. You have to really bend your knees, get low, stay low, be really dedicated to that.”

Since losing to Victoria Azarenka in the Doha final back in February, Williams has won titles in Miami, Charleston, Madrid, Rome and in Paris where she collected her second Roland Garros crown, 11 years after her first.

“I feel that I'm always ready,” said the world No.1 when asked if she thinks she’s unbeatable. “You know, I never feel invincible. I always feel that I have to be ready for each opponent in each game, and I never become overconfident. I think when I do or if I do, that's the moment that I'm most vulnerable.”

Williams is one of 14 American women in the main draw, which is the most at Wimbledon since 2006. 

“I think for the past 12 months we've seen a lot of growth in American tennis,” said the 16-time Grand Slam champion. “I think it's great. A couple years ago, when I was asked that question, I wasn't sure of the answer. But now I can answer that in so many different ways. There's so many great young American players. I know at the French Open we had the most people in the draw than any other country, in the main draw. So that's really a huge step.

“I think American tennis is doing fine and will continue to hopefully be on top.”

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