CHASE CHAMPIONSHIPS OF THE WTA TOUR

November 16, 1999

Serena Williams

Q. Did you have any inkling before today that you may not be playing in the tournament?

SERENA WILLIAMS: None whatsoever. None at all.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Oh, yeah. Most definitely ready to play; compete and play and practice really hard for the Grand Slam Cup.

SERENA WILLIAMS: I always practice early in the morning. I like to get my practice done really early so that I can go home and rest until -- so I can have the whole day. And I always practice early. I always practice at 7:00. It's what I do. I don't like anyone beating me out on the court.

SERENA WILLIAMS: I don't think so. I get up at -- at 6:30. I'm always up early anyway. I'm not a lazy individual. I usually wake up early, and I get back home and I have break and relax for the rest of the day.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, more than what I was originally.

SERENA WILLIAMS: I think rest, and I'm actually going to see two doctors tomorrow.

SERENA WILLIAMS: No. I just got home. So I'm going to wait until tomorrow, just rest tonight and then wait until tomorrow.

SERENA WILLIAMS: No, no. Not this bad ever. I had this before, but, I mean, this is definitely the worst.

SERENA WILLIAMS: I think overall, I had a really good season. I felt like I could have played better at some events and done a little better. I can't say that this is -- I had actually -- I didn't -- sorry. I wasn't able to make it to this tournament last year, but this year, I made it and I really wanted to play. I wanted to play last year, also, but I didn't make it; so I was really looking forward to it.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Most definitely, my US Open win in singles and doubles.

SERENA WILLIAMS: I'm thinking about it. It's in consideration. There's a chance I might go. There's a chance, I'm not sure. I just want to make sure everything is okay.

SERENA WILLIAMS: I don't know.

SERENA WILLIAMS: I really don't know. I'm still trying to figure it out. I was practicing. I was almost done. It was like 7:40, and I took a break for some water and I was out to hit some volleys and after about 5:00, all of the sudden, I had a little pain in my back, and, you know, I just thought it was just maybe -- just like a pain that will come and go. But it actually got worse and worse, and I was starting to come off, and worst came to worst and here I am.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, for sure. I mean, this one is really disappointing because I was there, and there's actually nothing I can do about it. Just unbelievable pain.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Of course. They always do. My dad is always there to support, my mom, also. Yeah, they always are very comforting.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Not really. Just -- not really. Nothing I really care to share right now.

SERENA WILLIAMS: I can only hope for as soon as possible. Hopefully, you know, within a week or two, three.

SERENA WILLIAMS: I would say so, because I was really, really focused and really, really ready to go at this event, and ready to end the year on an awesome note. I think I had -- I have a pretty good ending to the year; so I just wanted to end it on an even better note. But, unfortunately, you can't always have it your way.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, for sure. Definitely. Yeah, for sure.

SERENA WILLIAMS: We'll be in more of the same tournaments but I'm not sure. We'll have to work it out, going over our schedules.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Venus and I might go to the same tournaments, like L.A., san Diego, things like that. We'll see how it works out. We might play a few events together. Who knows? We'll just have to wait and see.

SERENA WILLIAMS: I would say about -- four years when I was born. No, I don't know. I really can't answer that question. I haven't thought about it. Maybe three, four weeks.

SERENA WILLIAMS: I would say playing is more frustrating because there's players out there I know I can take, especially like they haven't -- that I know I would have a great chance of actually coming out the winner. It's definitely frustrating.

SERENA WILLIAMS: In the past, I've always expected to win tournaments. So my goal has been with the past few tournaments; so I'm playing one match at a time and I've been doing better at that. So I'm just taking it one match at a time.

SERENA WILLIAMS: I've just matured, mentally, with my game. I'm more mentally stable. I know what I want. I know that I -- I don't want to have to lose a match. I want to be able to go out there and do my best.

SERENA WILLIAMS: I guess so. I have a lot of people out there supporting. I love everyone's support, and it's really great to have a lot of people on your side, because the fans mean everything to me.

SERENA WILLIAMS: It's a great feeling because I know I look up to other people, and it's nice to have other people that can be a role model for young people. I feel great and I hope I'm setting a good -- a good example.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Yeah, it's great. They have always been supporting me. I think it's been, no matter what decisions I make, they help me make decisions. And if I'm confused. I know I can go to my family for help. I really believe in family, and I'm really happy that I have the set of parents and the set of sisters that I have.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Right now, I'm in a recliner just trying to rest. It hurts every time I take a deep breath.

End of FastScripts….