SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Serena intent on defending Olympic title she loves

LONDON (Reuters) - Serena Williams is intent on defending her Olympic titles in Rio and finds it sad that several athletes will miss out on an "amazing" experience because of worries about the Zika virus.

Serena intent on defending Olympic title she loves
(Reuters)

2 min read

Published

Source: Reuters


Skip to article content

The 34-year-old American, who won singles and doubles titles at London 2012, beat Amra Sadikovic 6-2 6-4 in the Wimbledon first round on Tuesday.

"My experience has been really amazing at the Olympics. I really loved going out there and competing...standing out there and being an Olympic athlete," Williams told reporters.

"It is really one of the best experiences that I've had."

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Several high-profile athletes have said they will avoid the Olympics because of health fears. World number one golfer Jason Day announced on Tuesday that he would not go to Rio.

"I think for me, the most important thing is knowledge and protection," Williams said. "I'm also going to be super protected and ready, hopefully, to be the best that I can be, and probably beyond that."

The mosquito-borne Zika virus can cause birth defects such as microcephaly in babies which are born with unusually small brains and, in adults, has been linked to the neurological disorder Guillain-Barre.

On Monday top Romanian tennis player Simona Halep said she might not make the trip to the Aug.5-21 Games, but had yet to make a final decision.

Williams said she understood athletes' fears.

"I think it is sad. But at the same time I obviously understand where they're coming from and how they feel. Part of me feels that way, too, which is why I'm going in with a whole mindset of how do I protect myself."

But she added she looked on the Games as a bonus.

"It's probably one thing I have that I love the most."

Williams, 34, and her older sister Venus, 36, are aiming for a fourth doubles gold in Rio after winning in 2000, 2008 and 2012. Venus also won singles gold in 2000.

(Editing by Ed Osmond)


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world