Venus Williams took the world of tennis by storm when she debuted. She, as a teenager, joined the circuit and asserted dominance in the span of a few years. The seven-time Grand Slam champion claimed almost every headline and became something of a Tiger Woods sort. The Tiger Woods of tennis.

In an interview, after her splendid run in the 1997 US Open, Williams spoke about how she and the golf legend are similar in many ways. Here are the factors that the young Venus Williams pointed out.

Venus Williams explained why

Although golf and tennis vary a lot, players’ temperaments can be compared and tested. When asked if she believes she could become the next Tiger Woods, Williams said, “I would hope so.”

Thereafter, the former World No 1 added, “He’s different from the mainstream, and in tennis I also am. I’m tall. I’m black. Everything’s different about me. Just face the facts.” Williams made history that year. She became the Grand Slam’s first unseeded finalist in the Open Era.

Read more: Unlike Sister Serena, 42-Year-Old Venus Williams Once Made Her Intentions Clear About Starting a Family – ‘I’m Not Desperate’

Williams claimed her first US Open trophy in the year 2000, after reigning in the green of Wimbledon. She got the better of compatriot Lindsay Davenport in straight sets of 6-4 7-5 to mark her name on the title. Further, post that in the following season, she defended her crown against younger sister and now 23 times Grand Slam champion Serena Williams.

What is Williams’ current state?

The 42-year-old walked out of the circuit around last year’s Wimbledon because of an unfortunate leg injury. After spending a year on the sidelines, she made a comeback in mixed doubles of this season’s London majors. However, her game isn’t even close to what it used to be. 

Watch this story: ‘Playing Through the Pain..’- Serena Williams Disclosed How a Traumatic Battle With an ‘Unseen’ Disease Badly Affected Her Winning Chances

Williams’ form has taken a severe hit. The only victory she claimed this year was when playing alongside the former doubles World No 1 Jamie Murray. She took part in almost every event of the American swing and hasn’t secured a single match on her own. Do you think she would be able to reclaim her old form? Let us know in the comment section.