Her stunning first round loss at the Roland Garros 2012 tournament garnered massive headlines considering that all tennis experts have picked her to be the winner of this claycourt event. Despite this setback, 13-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams said that the incident has made her even more motivated to perform well at the Wimbledon 2012 Championships.
“Whether I had won in Paris or lost like I did in the first round, I am always extremely motivated. If anything, you know, I think losing makes me even more motivated,” she said.
Williams had a decent finish at Wimbledon last year, only her second tournament from a long hiatus from the sport due to injuries. She made it in the fourth round and lost to Marion Bartoli of France.
“Once I step on the match court I feel so good. I think it’s just an amazing feeling,” she said.
“I just don’t know if it’s something that’s innate that I can’t explain. It’s something about Wimbledon that I really enjoy and I really love,” the 4-time Wimbledon singles champion said.
Williams has made it to the Wimbledon final a total of six times, winning four and losing two – one from sister Venus in 2009 and the other one from Maria Sharapova in 2004. Williams and Sharapova are on the opposite sides of the draw and could potentially meet in the final.
When asked if she and older sister Venus have plans of stepping away from the sport any time soon, the 13-time Grand Slam champion said that they have no intention of doing so.
“I love the challenge. I love holding up trophies. So I guess if ever I feel that I can’t do that, then maybe I won’t play anymore,” Serena noted.
“That’s what I love. I love stepping out on that court, having that atmosphere, that moment. That moment is all about me. Maybe it’s a little selfish, but I love that feeling,” she concluded.
