Roger Federer’s five set scare was gripping viewing for the Rod Laver Arena patrons. Gripping viewing for the worldwide television audience. Venus Williams, who was supposed to be the star on court at the time? She was reading a book.
Venus was scheduled for a 7.30 start on centre court, against India’s Sania Mirza. As Federer struggled to put away Janko Tipsarevic, the ladies waited. Then they waited some more. 7.30 became close to 9.30. The unexpected delay not a new phenomenon for Venus, who defeated the Indian 7-6, 6-4.
“I’ve played Wimbledon many a time. I’m very prepared,” Williams said.
“My sister gave me a graduation gift, an e-book, so I have all my books downloaded on it. It’s really the most wonderful gift. For like a week or two I was screaming, I love this thing, because I read so many books.”
“So I just have my books on there and I read, and I eat and rest, and I’m used to waiting.”
With the night session way behind schedule, and the Lleyton Hewitt/Marcos Baghdatis contest deemed too important to move, Williams and Mirza were given the option of re-scheduling their third round clash, allowing the men’s clash to finish closer to midnight.
“A tournament (official) did ask if Sania and I would consider playing at Vodafone or playing tomorrow.
“Both of us didn’t want to. We felt like our match was important. We also felt like we wanted the schedule to go as planned and that, you know, we are very good players and wanted to play.”
Perhaps Venus has a Billie Jean King book in her electronic toy.
Williams started sluggishly, falling behind 3-5 in the first set. On cue, Venus stepped up, although she wasn’t ruthless enough to avoid a tiebreaker (which Venus won 7-0). Mirza had clearly resonated that attack was the best form of defence.
“She was definitely trying to dictate, so I just stuck with playing my game and didn’t change it,” Williams said.
“As soon as she got her racquet on the ball, she just hit it as hard as she could and went for broke. I think that worked for her on a lot of points.”
Now that week one at Melbourne Park has been safely negotiated for the elder Williams’, the tournament gets serious. Waiting in the round of 16 is French Open finalist Ana Ivanovic.
“She’s improved her game,” Williams said. “I think that she’s a good player for women’s tennis.”
“I’m ready.”
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