The most dominating sister act in professional tennis history will be in Chicago next month to support charitable causes.
Q. You will be competing in the Williams Sisters Tour on Nov. 17 at the UIC Pavilion. The tour will visit The Palace at Auburn Hills in suburban Detroit on Nov. 18 and Philips Arena in Atlanta on Dec. 2. Are you and Venus particularly excited about competing in Chicago?
A. Chicago has special meaning for me. My sister and I are hoping to make it a fun event. The last time I played in Chicago was in 1997 and I beat a top-ranked player for the first time. I [entered the tournament ranked 304th] and beat Mary Pierce (then ranked 7th) and Monica Seles (4th). I got to the semifinals and lost to [5th-ranked] Lindsay Davenport (6-4, 6-4) in the finals.
Q. I understand you and Venus also will be involved in a community activity in Chicago that will target about 250 local youngsters. ESPN will accompany the tour with plans to broadcast a behind-the-scenes special at a later date. Does that make the tour even more special to you?
A. One of the best things about coming to Chicago is that a portion of the money we are going to make during the Williams Sisters Tour is going to the Ronald McDonald charity. That is really exciting for us.
Q. In 2002-2003, you and Venus played each other in five of six Grand Slam finals. You won four consecutive Grand Slam titles. Do you get the sense that fans enjoy watching you and Venus compete against each other?
A. That’s why we’re going against each other on the tour. It’s a battle to the end, but then we realize it’s just a game and we are friends. I haven’t played her in a while, so we will have to see. We don’t gamble [on who will win], but maybe we should. We’re taking this really seriously.
Q. You and Venus have won a combined 26 Grand Slam titles and three Olympic gold medals. What would you consider the greatest highlight in your professional tennis career?
A. I like to believe I haven’t had it yet. Obviously winning four [Grand Slam singles titles] in a row was nice.
Q. When you are not competing or practicing, what other sports do you enjoy?
A. I like watching football a lot. It’s a lot of fun. Those players have to go through so much, so much dedication.
Q. Does it bother you that you’re ranked No. 9 in the world, not No. 1?
A. Everyone still thinks I am No. 1. I never correct them.
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