‘Not used to losing 0-6’

It was for third time running that Venus Williams has lost in the third round of the French Open – the only Grand Slam to elude her so far. It was also for the first time in almost two years that she has lost a set without winning a game. She was at a loss for words to explain her misery.

How frustrating was it to play a singles against Szavay? Especially in the first set you couldn’t find the right solutions...
Yeah, I had a tough day and I didn’t get the ball in the court, and that didn’t help me at all. It was just, you know, a day where they (the balls) didn’t go in. So it was a little difficult to recover from that in the first set... You know, I’m used to beating people 6-0. I’m not used to losing a set 0-6.

So it completely was a foreign ground for me. 0-6? Did you think this cannot be true?
Yeah, it seemed every shot I tried, somehow it found a way to go out. So the first set was a challenge.

Since 2002, looks like Roland Garros is a very tough Grand Slam for you. Can you explain why you’re struggling here?
Every year is different. Today I had a tough day, so...

Was movement a problem for you today?
You know, I had a lot of struggles out there and ultimately you’ve got to play well. Today it just didn’t... you know... didn’t come together for me... Sometimes the more shots you miss, the harder it is to make the next one. It’s just so important to leave that miss in the past and move forward.

Was there something in particular that Szavay did that gave you problems?
She hung in there. She played really well, but I definitely have to attribute that loss to me not being able to execute what I wanted to on the court.

Why did you look so out of sorts?
When I go out in the morning, I just prepare myself and always remain positive.

Your opponent played pretty good tennis before coming here in Paris. Were you expecting such a tough game?
I expect everyone to come out and play well. Yeah, she played well.

In doubles, you have to play her again. Is there a fear of losing again?
I don’t think that way.

Does winning doubles compensate for losing the singles?
I’m disappointed, but, you know, I have to play the next match. I have to go out there and get focused and play because I still would like to do very well in the doubles.

You couldn’t find your rhythm on clay this season...
Like I said, the balls were just flying out today. There’s no explanation for it...

So even when you were up a break, did you think that you could still hang in there? Did you feel your game is where it should be?
Yeah, of course. I always think that the match is going to turn around, and I’m always finding a way to make it happen. That’s what everyone does out there. I would imagine that’s what I do. So when I got that break, I was going and trying to hold for 5-3. I had chances.