Staying active on the court after crossing one’s 40s is quite unimaginable. However, both Venus and Serena Williams played after turning 40. Though the younger sister hung her racquet last year, Venus Williams is still going strong. However, her love for the sport is not the only thing that has proved to be her motivation. There is one imperative trait that she has adhered to throughout her career which keeps her going.

Venus Williams is gearing up for her US Open swing after a disheartening Wimbledon run. However, what pushes her to continue to not give up and go on strong for almost three decades of her career?

Venus Williams breaks down the fundamental rule that helped her succeed

The seven-time Grand Slam champion made her debut as an underdog. However, with her consistency, she rose above that and now is considered one of the legends of the sport.

But achieving that status has not stopped her from continuing her career, even in her forties. In a two-day event, 10xladies organized by Elena Cardone, Venus Williams sat down with her and broke down the imperative mantra of her life. She stated, “I honestly believe discipline is freedom.”

This drew an amusing reaction from both the host as well as the audience. She continued, “When you have discipline, you get what you want. When you don’t have discipline, you do not get any of what you want.” This discipline has been constant in Willams’ life and so she has continued to follow this rule. Williams stated, “So, you’re free to live your dream. You’re free to do the things that you love and then you start to come to love the discipline.”

Then she talked about the lack of it and the consequences that come along with it. The tennis star added if you lack discipline, “That’s when the anxiety sets in because you know you’re not paying the price. And if you don’t pay the price, you get nothing.”

Eventually, she concluded with the utmost need for the same for everyone who wants to be able to achieve what they want. She finished with, “So, you got to pay the price and then you have to have discipline and then the world is open to you.”

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However, this is not something she just preaches. She is a woman of her word and believes in, “Practice what you preach.” The living proof of her discipline is her former hitting partner, Jermaine Jenkins, who himself has picked this habit from her.

A living inspiration for millions 

Venus Williams has become an inspiration to people both on and off the court for her resilience. One of them is her former hitting partner Jermaine Jenkins, who himself has picked up essential skills from her.

In the podcast, Baseline Intelligence, he narrated the non-negotiable routine of Williams. Even if she was in a business meeting or even if she had to catch a flight at 4 in the morning, she would put the work in. This taught him that every bit counts.

This sense of discipline is the driving force of the tennis star who continues to follow her passion and love for the sport.

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