At an age when many athletes have long retired and hung up their racquets, Venus Williams, the seven-time major winner, continues to defy expectations. As she steps onto the grass of Wimbledon for the 24th time, over 2 and a half decades after her debut at the All England Club, the question of her future looms large.

However, amidst speculation about retirement, Venus Williams has emphatically declared that she is not ready to hang up her racket just yet. In fact, she confidently asserts that she may be the only player capable of competing until the age of 50.

Venus Williams’ everlasting love for tennis

At 43 years old, the American tennis icon dismisses any doubts regarding her ability to continue playing. “It’s never been done before. So if there is anyone who could do it, it would be me,” asserts the five-time Wimbledon champion. With her illustrious career already leaving an indelible mark on the sport, Venus Williams envisions a future where she continues to defy the odds and push the boundaries of what is possible in tennis.

“I haven’t played a lot of matches in the last few years, and not by choice. I wanted to be here and I couldn’t,” reveals Williams, acknowledging the challenges that life has thrown her way. Battling a hamstring injury for most of 2023, her world ranking has slipped to the late 500s.

Trending

Serena Williams’ Daughter Adira Makes Her ‘Papa Pancake’ Debut as Alexis Ohanian Passes On the Tradition Set for Olympia

May 20, 2024 11:04 AM EDT

Italian Open: Coco Gauff’s Worst Nightmare Relentlessly Haunts Her as She Lets Doubles Glory Slip Past Her in a Jiffy

May 19, 2024 05:11 PM EDT

Serena Williams’ Daughter Olympia Goes Gaga Over Simone Biles’ Comeback as Alexis Ohanian Reveals Her Animated Reaction

May 20, 2024 05:03 PM EDT

Roger Federer Turns Teary Eyed Over Wife Mirka Breaking 15-Year Long Silence for His Upcoming Documentary

May 15, 2024 05:45 AM EDT

Coco Gauff Finds Captivating Way Out of Italian Open Misery as She Dazzles in Striking Day Out With Her Mother Candi

May 19, 2024 06:03 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Venus’ resilience beyond the sport

While some may consider Venus a torchbearer for senior players, she insists that her journey is a personal one. Refusing to be defined by her age, she aims to remain competitive and determined, with her sights set firmly on the Grand Slam titles that mean the most to her.

ALSO READ: Coco Gauff Says Serena Williams and Venus Williams Helped People That Looked Like Her to Make a Name in Tennis

Yet, it is not just her sporting accomplishments that make her an inspiration. Off the court, she has bravely battled Sjögren’s syndrome, an energy-sapping auto-immune disease that can cause joint pain. Venus made her diagnosis public in 2011, showing the world that strength and vulnerability can coexist.

As reported by AP news, “The most inspiring thing about her is the love that she has for tennis. I don’t think that love has swayed over the course of her career,” said rising star Coco Gauff, who faced Venus Williams in a momentous Wimbledon showdown back in 2019. Gauff acknowledges the unwavering passion that fuels Venus and her enduring commitment to the sport.

WATCH THIS STORY | ‘Scared’ Coco Gauff Opens Up About Surreal Emotions After a Career-Defining Victory Over Venus Williams at 15–‘Never Looked At..’

For Williams, it isn’t only about breaking records. It’s about embracing the love for the game that has been her life’s driving force. Despite her senior status in the tennis world, she dismisses the notion of being a mere symbol for over-forties, resolutely focused on the game she cherishes.