MUTUA MADRID OPEN

April 21, 2026

Venus Williams

Press Conference

K. QUEVEDO/V. Williams

6-2, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Venus, not the result you were hoping for. It's been a long time that you haven't played this tournament, how did you feel playing out there today?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Oh, yeah, the stadium always has the best feeling. It's been just so many years, so it was great to walk out on the court.

THE MODERATOR: Thank you. Questions, please.

Q. It's been a long time since you played a match on clay as well. I just wonder, how was it coming back on this surface, and how difficult was it to adjust?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, I felt like in the last game I started to move better on the clay. But then it was the last game (laughing).

All these things take adjustments. I started my practice on clay a couple weeks after Miami. I haven't really played on clay in years. But I enjoy the clay, it's fun. I played against a very inspired opponent today.

Q. What do you think made the difference today against Kaitlin?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, I mean, I think she played well, like really well, she was super focused and what have you. I don't think I just ever really found my rhythm on the ground strokes.

The conditions weren't easy for both of us, so much wind and rain and interruptions in the match. I don't think that was helpful.

Q. We've just seen you have a doubles walk-up with Katie Boulter. How did that come about, and is it nice to know that you can still have more matches on this clay?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, she asked me to play, or her coach did. I would like to think she asked me to play, and I was happy to say yes (laughing).

She's got great energy. She's got a great attitude. She's a fighter. I'm looking forward to playing with her because I think our energies will really match.

Q. I know you don't like to look too far forward, but would you like to play at Roland Garros? Now that you're back on the clay, is that something you're thinking about?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, I mean, to get my feet dirty, this was a great start. I'm not able to play Rome, I have other commitments, unfortunately, so I'm really super sad about that, actually. My husband is Italian, so we feel sad that we can't be there. So we would love to keep it going on the clay.

THE MODERATOR: All right. Thank you very much.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Thank you, guys.