Vonn on hand to cheer on friends
At Wimbledon, Lindsey Vonn is just another tennis fan.
The Olympic and world champion skier visited Wimbledon on Saturday to watch friends Caroline Wozniacki and Roger Federer play and then did it all over again Monday.
USA TODAY Sports contributor Nick McCarvel caught up with Vonn on what was her fifth trip to the All England Club and discussed her love for the sport, her training, life after Tiger Woods and more.
Q: You’ve been to Wimbledon a few times. What makes it so special?
A: I love it. It’s one of my favorite sporting events to go to. It’s the whole experience and the atmosphere. It’s different. It’s very classic and elegant. You have your strawberries and cream and watch Roger. … I don’t know; it’s pretty perfect.
Q: Did you watch the U.S. Women’s World Cup victory against Japan last night?
A: I didn’t. It was too late here. (The game started at 12 a.m. British Standard Time.) It’s amazing. I was texting with Abby (Wambach), and she was so fired up. I’m really happy for them. I think it’s incredible what they’ve done.
Q: What about your own tennis game, are you pretty good?
A: Well, I was better, but since my last two knee surgeries I haven’t played. I’m going to take a break from my tennis career and then I’ll resume (laughs). ... The first year I came here, Martina Navratilova gave me a lesson, and I was so terrible that I apologized to her 100 times.
Q: How did you and Caroline meet?
A: I met her before on the golf tour. We text a lot. This is the first time that I’ve actually been able to watch her, because I haven’t been at any tournaments since I got injured. Females in sports, we have a lot in common. It’s nice to have a friend that understands the difficulties of being in the spotlight and training hard and competing.
Q: What’s it like watching Federer up close?
A: He’s just so effortless. You don’t see on TV how fast they’re hitting the ball or how well they’re moving. The speed of play is so much different when you’re watching it live. Roger makes it look so easy.
Q: It’s been a couple months since your breakup with Tiger Woods. How are you doing ?
A: I’m doing really well. I’m feeling good. I have a good support system, and we ended on good terms. It just didn’t work. That happens: Two adults, sometimes, it just doesn’t work. But yes, we do (keep in touch).
Q: From your Instagram it looks like you’ve been having late-night gym sessions.
A: This is supposed to be a vacation, but I’m never actually on vacation because I have to work out. I came back from a long day of watching tennis to work out (Saturday), and then yesterday was Formula One and I worked out after that. I’m burning the candle at both ends.
Q: Do you keep one eye on the 2018 Pyeongchang Games?
A: The Olympics will probably be my last year. That’s definitely my long-term goal. But I have to think about it, because it affects how I train because I have to save my knee for the next three years.
Q: Can you give us your Wimbledon predictions, too?
A: Duh, Roger. (Laughs.) He’s healthy, and he’s playing well. I think this year is going to be his year. Unfortunately, my pick Caro is gone. I would probably say Serena (Williams) at this point. She’s a solid bet.