India has a good tradition in tennis, says Venus Williams

Bengaluru: Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams feels that the success of Vijay Amritraj, Leander Paes and Sania Mirza at the international stage proves that India has a "good tradition" in the sport.

Citing examples of some of the great Indian tennis stars, Venus said she expects the tradition to continue in future.

"India has a very good tradition in tennis. You have (Vijay) Amritraj, Leander Paes, (Sania) Mirza. I don't see why that tradition can't continue," the American told PTI in an interview here Friday.

Besides seven singles title, Venus also boasts of 13 Grand Slam titles in women's doubles along with her sister Serena.

Venus and Serena, famously known as 'the William sisters', once made up for the most lethal women's doubles combination having won 13 Grand Slam titles together. The siblings have also won three Olympic gold medals in doubles and have expressed their desire to play in the 2016 Rio Games.

Venus, a former world number one player, attributes her and Serena's success in doubles to mutual respect for each other.

"I think we both play well together and we also have good relationship. In doubles, you have to get along with your partner and respect him or her. If it it not there, then quite often the relationship deteriorates," she said ahead of the Champions Tennis League tie between Bangalore Raptors and Hyderabad Aces.

Even though she is satisfied with her performance in 2014, Venus was eyeing to rectify the mistakes she committed in this year.

"Year 2014 is a great year for me. I had a lot of success. You keep on learning, you never stop. I expect 2015 to be another year for learning. I want to get better. Every time you lose you learn from it and after every win you look to building on the tempo," she said.