Photo: Paul ZimmerRoger Federer (SUI)
Roger Federer (SUI)
On Her Majesty The Queen's role in the opening ceremony...
FEDERER: I thought it was very funny. It was completely unexpected. There were some very good moments during the opening ceremony. I really enjoyed it, to finally see it from start to finish, everything, whereas the last three times, I didn't see one thing except once I was in the stadium and the lighting of the flame. This was nice for me personally.
Kim Clijsters (BEL)
On playing at the Olympics...
CLIJSTERS: It's a great feeling knowing that I'm here at the Olympics because there were moments in the last year and a half where I definitely thought about retiring and not even get to the Olympics. I'm happy that I stuck with it and that I kept working hard. I'm happy that I'm here and that I'm healthy and that I got to play a good match in the first round.
On retirement after the US Open...
CLIJSTERS: Knowing that this is my second to last tournament, it is special. So many things are already different during the Olympics. I'm happy that although I've been on tour for almost 15 years, that I am still reliving kind of these new situations, which is nice.
Serena Williams (USA)
On the Olympics inspiring the next generation...
WILLIAMS: It inspired me. Don't laugh... I wanted to be a gymnast because of the Olympics. Obviously that didn't work out. I was able to get a different sport, which worked out. I'm glad it did, but it inspired me to want to be a part of sport, watch sport, to do things, stuff like that. I think it's totally inspiring.
On Wimbledon looking different during the Olympics...
WILLIAMS: It's definitely weird, definitely different. I have to say I love it. I absolutely love being here because I love playing Wimbledon, but this atmosphere I didn't expect. It's bananas, and I love it.
Elena Baltacha (GBR)
On playing the Olympics on home soil...
BALTACHA: I was quite nervous before the match. I think once I put my GB gear on, it relaxed me more because I've been looking forward to this for such a long time. I thought, you know, I've got an amazing opportunity. That kind of relaxed me a bit more. Once I started going on court, seeing all the home support, them getting right behind me, that kind of got me more confident and kind of more relaxed. So it was lovely.
Li Na (CHN)
On losing in the first round...
LI: I don't think Olympic only important for Chinese people, otherwise we call China Open, not Olympics anymore. So, of course, every country, every sport, every athlete was fighting a lot for their country. So, yeah, of course, I was sad I lose here in the first round. I know we are professional player, but Olympic still is different. Like four year, one time. I try a lot today, but didn't work.
John Isner and Andy Roddick (USA)
On First Lady Michelle Obama's attendance at Wimbledon...
ISNER: She was here?
RODDICK: Yeah. I passed on meeting her to stay with your match.
ISNER: That’s a good team man. He’s a patriot.
RODDICK: I was a good team man till you had to play doubles with me.
ISNER: I didn’t even know she was here. I feel kinda stupid, don’t quote me on that. I probably should have known that!