Wimbledon singles and doubles champion VENUS WILLIAMS
was interviewed by Matt Lauer on NBC's "Today" show this
morning from her home in FL. Williams, on increased
pressure on Venus to win after becoming the first African-
American Wimbledon champion in over 40 years: "At this rate
I think it'll be less pressure because I went out there and
I won Wimbledon and beat the best players to win Wimbeldon.
If anything, I should really be free and move forward
because I've done it and there's only space for me to do it
again." Lauer noted that Williams collected over $750,000
for her Wimbledon victories and asked her if she's going to
"splurge on anything." Williams: "I get to buy myself a
watch." Lauer: "Just a watch?" Williams: "Just a watch,
but a gold watch" (NBC, 7/12). Venus, when asked if she and
her sister Serena are aware of the impact they have had
within the European black community: "Yeah, we're really
aware of that. We know the black people are really top
supporters. When you go to Germany, the Germans support the
Germans. We really relate to each other, of course. We're
black. We fought for everything we have" (Sanex WTA Tour).
Venus and Serena "partied until 2am before going on to win"
the women's doubles title Monday. Venus: "It's the latest
we have ever been up before a final" (London TIMES, 7/11).
