Serena Williams on Wednesday insisted that her off-court shots at a film career with a bit of fashion design work on the side will not distract her as she makes a comeback to tennis after eight months away.
The former world number one — who has landed a WTA Tour-sanctioned top seeding despite not having touched a racket professionally since last summer’s Wimbledon final — is due to make her return on Friday at the $6,5-million Miami Masters.
The winner of the ”Serena Slam” before being sidelined last summer due to August knee surgery has taken her time coming back, delaying the return repeatedly this year.
Finally, both she and formerly injured sister Venus are set to step back onto a court at a venue where she has taken the title for the past two years.
”I expect to be playing for a long time,” said the former world number one, brushing off growing reports that here interest could have drifted towards Hollywood or designing for the catwalk.
”I spend a lot of time in the hotel anyway [during tournaments]. I can do a lot in there — draw, make a dress, read a script,” said the noted multitasker. ”I like to use all my time, I like to put it to use.”
Williams said that her celluloid dreams may have to be put on hold: ”I don’t have a lot of acting gigs right now.”
The 22-year-old said that some of her acting has always been on court anyway.
”I never show emotion, I try to keep the same expression no matter what I’m feeling. I’m focused on me.”
Williams is due to play the winner from a first-round contest between Spain’s Marta Marrero and American Angela Haynes.
”I’m not making any expectations,” said the top seed, holder of six Grand Slam titles. ”I’m not putting pressure on myself. Each match, each round, each set — I want to improve.
”I’m in better shape now than before [the knee operation] and more dedicated.”
Williams admitted that her rankings fall has stung.
”I loved being number one. Even if you’re not number one, you have to be number one in your mind. I don’t care where I’m seeded as long as I can play.”
Elder sister Venus is also poised for a return, taking on either a Chinese or Czech opponent while also playing with a special ranking as second seed due to the absence of world number one Justine Henin-Hardenne and injured number two Kim Clijsters.
Venus has played a handful of matches this season while trying to overcome an abdominal muscle strain dating back to last spring.
She has also been reported to perhaps be throttling down her game in favour of other interests.
”I feel good but I’ve been struggling with these injury issues. I have to monitor myself and make sure not to overdo things, that’s the way it has to be,” she said.
”I’m expecting to play a full schedule and I’m motivated again. There is more emotion when you lose,” said the woman beaten by her sister for the 2003 Wimbledon crown.
”I’m serious about my career, some of the losses I’ve suffered [including to Lisa Raymond at the Australian Open] have been traumatic. But I know the player that I am.
”There’s no reason to say I’m not interested in tennis,” said the owner of an interior design business. ”It’s all gossip and hearsay. I’ve trained for 20-odd years for tennis.
”I don’t envision giving up on what I do best for something else.” — Sapa-DPA