Meeting the Press at Wimbledon

Facing the press is hardly a player’s favorite time of the day, but one that is nonetheless important.

Being asked to dissect a forehand or a crucial game requires a photographic memory; remaining composed amid the onslaught of critical questions after a heartbreaking loss necessitates nerves of steel.

Best Quotes on Wednesday at Wimbledon

“I think it’s already dramatic and interesting even when we play two or three sets. I think women’s tennis is quite interesting, especially with the personalities that we have. All those girls out there, they’re really giving their best.

But when it comes to playing five sets, I think it comes more to the fitness of the girls. It depends who is the fittest of them all, who can hang in and play good tennis for five sets. It’s not easy.”
– Jelena Jankovic, on whether women’s tennis would be more interesting and dramatic if the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour switched to a best-of-five sets format.

“It was disappointing, that loss really. Stepped on the court and I knew I had a good chance, but this wanting to win a Grand Slam, it took over me.

Instead of just focusing on the match, what exactly I have to do, I went on the court [trying] just not to lose because I wanted so badly to win.”
– Dinara Safina, about why she lost the Roland Garros final three weeks ago.

“To get a compliment from Serena like that is top, so I have to say, Thank you, Serena.”
Venus Williams, upon hearing that Serena named her the grass court player of the generation.

“Now women’s tennis is everybody more taller, more powerful, more speedy. But tennis, my opinion, is more using the head, because I don’t have not so much power and not tall, so always I must use my head.”
- Kimiko Date Krumm, on the difference a decade has made on the WTA Tour.

“I know you guys have to ask those questions, and those are more interesting than the tennis, especially when a player loses. But, you know, I just don’t feel like I have to answer them.”
– Jelena Dokic, when asked yet again about her father.

” I was hoping to get an easier draw, but it was also a good experience. It’s my first Wimbledon main draw and I got to play on the Centre at the biggest tennis event of the year, first time on Centre Court.”
Stefanie Voegele, about playing defending champion Venus Williams in the first round.

“I think she was the oldest one. She was doing good, though.”
- Caroline Wozniacki, about whether Kimiko Date Krumm was the oldest player she’s ever faced.