Venus Williams brilliantly hit back at a journalist who questioned whether she was just at Wimbledon “for the experience.” 

Williams was not expected to compete at the All England Club this year, having not played for 11 months, but took the last-minute decision to partner with Jamie Murray in the mixed doubles. 

The pair made a winning start against wildcards Alicja Rosolska and Michael Venus, eventually triumphing 6-3 6-7 (3-7) 6-3. 

Williams, who has won the ladies' singles competition at Wimbledon on five occasions, was impressive at the net. Meanwhile, Murray was effortlessly clinical on serve and seemed to complement Venus well. 

Williams shuts down journalist 

Speaking alongside Murray in their press conference after the match, the pair were asked if they were “in it to win it”? 

The journalist also questioned whether their main aim was to surpass the performance of Andy Murray and Serena Williams, who reached the last 16 of the mixed doubles together in 2019. 

Jamie was first to respond and joked: “No, we’re better than them [Serena and Andy].” 

Williams then exclaimed: “What sort of question is that?” Before sarcastically adding: “No, we’re in it for a stroll.” 

The journalist then pressed further and asked if the two were “there for the experience” or if they were trying to “go all the way”? 

Straight away, Williams clapped back with a hilarious response, asking the reporter: “Are you going to write a good article or just a halfway decent one?” 

Jamie Murray, Venus Williams

Fans praise Williams’ response

Understandably, fans loved the hilarious interaction and were quick to praise the US star on her respectful put-down of the reporter. 

One wrote: “​​Venus’ answer is absolutely brilliant here. Put him in his place but in a very respectful manner. Love it.” 

Another echoed the same idea and joked: “The perfect return I'd say.” 

A third added: “Venus Williams is brilliant. On and off the court.”

Can Williams and Murray go all the way? 

Williams is a two-time Grand Slam winner in mixed doubles, having won the Australian Open and French Open in 1998. 

Last year, she competed in the mixed event at the All England Club alongside Nick Kyrgios but the Australian retired due to an injury before their second-round match. 

Murray, on the other hand, has won five mixed doubles major titles, including two at Wimbledon in 2007 and 2017. 

Next up, the pair will face the all-British pairing of Alicia Barnett and Jonny O’Mara.