
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, October 4, 1994                   TAG: 9410050043
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: C2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: DELRAY BEACH, FLA.                                 LENGTH: Medium

14-YEAR-OLD TENNIS PRODIGY VENUS WILLIAMS TO TURN PRO

Against her father's wishes, but with his consent, 14-year-old Venus Williams is going to become a professional tennis player.

The youngster, who trains with Rick Macci in Delray Beach, will compete in the Bank of the West Classic in Oakland, Calif., an indoor tournament beginning Oct.31.

``She knows I think she would be better off waiting until she is 16,'' Richard Williams told the Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale for Monday's editions. ``But Venus decided she would like to play and we gave our permission.

``I respect her feelings, but I think it's a little foolish. Even up until 30 minutes ago, I asked her to change her mind. I'm very concerned about this. At age 14, it's silly, crazy, rushing a girl into pro tennis.''

Many believe the troubles of Jennifer Capriati, who has completed drug rehab and plans to return to professional tennis soon, began when she turned pro before her 14th birthday.

``To be very honest, I don't think my kid is ready to play professional tennis at 14,'' Williams said.

``But this is something Venus has decided to do. She came to me again about playing and I asked her to make up her mind and be very, very sure.''

Six months ago, she had asked to debut at the Virginia Slims of Los Angeles, held in August.

At first, Richard Williams consented, but two weeks before the tournament, he changed his mind. However, his daughter persisted.

Venus Williams' first pro venture is a $400,000 event featuring a 32-player draw. She can still change her mind about playing as a professional until a day before the tournament.

``I'm not going to be upset if I lose,'' she said. ``I just want to make sure I play how I've practiced.''

Williams hasn't played any tournaments since she was 11. Her father has kept her and younger sister Serena, also a highly regarded player, from them. He believes such play would be counterproductive.

Age-qualification changes recently approved by the WTA Tour mean Williams will be able to play a limited number of tournaments.

``Psychologically, I don't think this will be difficult for my wife, for Venus or her sister,'' Richard Williams said. ``But it will be for me.

``Every parent starts off like this, saying we'll do one or two or no more than three tournaments. And you end up doing much more than that.''

by CNB