London, June 19 (DPA) Venus Williams claimed Saturday to barely comprehending the rules of football, with the five-time Wimbledon champion confessing that the World Cup in South Africa leaves her more confused than excited.
The second seed at the Championships starting Monday was out of the loop concerning the disallowed goal for the Americans in Friday’s 2-2 draw with Slovenia.
‘I don’t understand any of the rules in soccer, too. So when something happens, I’m confused,’ said the player who traditionally never prepares on English grass for Wimbledon.
‘I don’t know, so I’m learning slowly.’
Fellow American Andy Roddick, a three-time Wimbledon finalist is more up-to-speed with the ‘foreign’ sport and had plenty to say about the match incident.
‘I understand the rules of football so well that apparently when two Slovenian guys mug an American guy the American guy gets called for a foul. That’s how well I understand the rules.’
Roddick said that he didn’t bother to watch England’s pitiful 0-0 draw with Algeria which leaves the team on two draws in group play and facing elimination.
‘I did not watch the England game last night,’ said Roddick. ‘I decided to take advantage of no traffic and go into the city and have some dinner.
‘You’d be amazed how quickly you can get down there when an England game is on.’
Williams, 30, is a decade removed from her first title at the All England club.
She said that since arriving in London, she has – perhaps reluctantly – watched the football which dominates life in almost all nations save her own.
‘Serena watches it, so I have to watch it, too. I actually enjoyed the American game. I didn’t get to see it all. I guess when you get behind your country, then it’s a lot really more interesting.’
But spectating also takes a lot out of Williams.
‘I heard we almost got three goals. But I’m not sure what happened. It’s confusing to me, because I don’t understand the rules yet. I like when they go for the goal.
‘Like I said, I don’t know what’s happening. I probably know a little bit more about American football. So obviously when they get close to the goal, I think that’s really the most exciting part for anyone.’
Royalty is another side of British life which leaves the American in a quandary.
When Queen Elizabeth II arrives Thursday for her first visit to the tennis stadium in 33 years, the Floridian second seed is perhaps hoping that she will not be on centre court.
Questioned whether she or her sister Serena would curtsey to the Queen, Williams hesitated.
‘I might not be the best one to comment on it because I’m an American. I’m not well versed on English tradition.’
But when pressed by local media, Williams got tetchy: ‘I don’t want to talk about curtsying anymore. I don’t understand that tradition. I’m not educated on that. So thanks.’
Williams will be playing in her career 50th Grand Slam when she starts her campaign with a first-round match against Rossana De Los Rios of Paraguay.
‘I just take it one round at a time, focus on my game. Having a lot of success here I think helps a lot. So I’ll be ready to go.’
