Sports > Venus optimistic about Wimbledon

rench Open, Venus Williams Has Hopes For Wimbledon

Venus Williams, of the United States, reacts as she plays Jelena Jankovic, of Serbia, during their third round match of the French Open tennis tournament, at the Roland Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, June 1, 2007. Jankovic won 6-4, 4-6, 6-1. (AP Photo/

After suffering yet another flop at Roland Garros, Venus Williams is hoping Wimbledon will give her the platform to rediscover her top form again.

Last year, the injury-ravaged Williams was more often found in a doctor's surgery than on a tennis court. She competed in only six tournaments, chalking up a 13-6 win-loss record.

She returned to competitive action in February following a four-month layoff and, having already entered seven tournaments this season, the American hopes she will be one of the main contenders when Wimbledon begins on June 25.

"I really feel good about my game. I would like it to click at Wimbledon," said Williams, who won the last of her five grand slam tournaments at the All England Club in 2005.

"I feel good to have conquered all the things that I've conquered."

Despite suffering her third successive defeat by Jelena Jankovic in the last 32 at the French Open on Friday, Williams did not feel too despondent -- especially since she felt she was the author of her own downfall by hitting 52 unforced errors.

"I just went long, long, long but it's only a matter of time before it goes in, in, in," quipped the 26-year-old.

"I definitely feel like I could have done things to be in the winner's circle. I don't feel like I went out there and didn't have any courage.

"The result wasn't what I wanted but I feel really positive."

2007-06-03