When it comes to Venus Williams and tennis, it’s all grit, passion, and a relentless hunger to represent the sport. “The fact that I have done well has shown that I have loved it and I’ll always love it,” she told reporters at the 2019 US Open. That love blazed far beyond the WTA courts, burning brightest on the Olympic stage. In 2000, at just 20, she stormed through Wimbledon, the US Open, and Sydney to seize singles gold, stacking 32 straight wins, then doubled the glory with Serena for the “Olympic double.” Now, twenty-five years later, she stands tall again, making her feelings unshakably clear for the 2028 LA Olympics.

The official IG page for the 2028 LA Olympics and Paralympics recently lit up with an LA28 A Creator film featuring Venus Williams. The caption read, “For four-time gold medalist Venus Williams, nothing’s cooler than being an Olympian. 🎾 From watching to winning, the Tennis legend is the most decorated Olympian of the sport, winning three golds with her sister in the doubles event. Her ‘A’ pays homage to Tennis, and the Olympics’ return home.”

In the video, the 45-year-old icon radiated reverence for the Olympic Games, speaking with the same fire that once carried her to center court triumphs. She marveled at how the Games remain a crown jewel in sport, and how, three years from now, their return will be cherished with unmatched pride. “I feel like I was a part of the Olympics long before I ever got there. I grew up watching it. I grew up studying it. I grew up learning from the athletes. It was like a part of my life and culture long before I ever even dreamed of getting to the Olympics. I am Venus Williams.”

Venus‘s words weren’t just nostalgia; they were a love letter to the city she calls home. “I am from right here Los Angeles, California, and having the Olympics in LA, it makes it so special because it’s right at home.” Her voice carried both the weight of history and the thrill of anticipation.

And in the end, her vision was clear and unshakable. “What I hope people take away from the experience of the LA 28 games is just the spirit of Unity. I call it the shiny, happy people holding hands feelings. It’s just so beautiful.”

To be fair, Venus Williams is now 45, and by the time the Los Angeles Olympics arrive, she will be 48. The odds of her chasing Olympic glory again may be slim, yet her optimism hasn’t wavered. Speaking about what’s next, she left the door wide open. “I’m very much in the moment,” she said when asked about next season. “I don’t think you should ever rule me out. That’s all I can say.”

At a news conference last Wednesday ahead of the Cincinnati Open, where she received a wild card, Venus revealed her focus is locked on the North American summer hard-court season. She admitted she doesn’t expect to play other events in 2025 outside of this stretch.

Adding to the excitement, she has a wild card for the newly revamped mixed doubles tournament alongside fellow American Reilly Opelka. She’s also expected to secure a wild card for the singles draw, marking another chapter in her storied career.

Her Olympic dream, though, remains nothing short of immaculate. Over the decades, Venus has been more than just a champion; she has been a beacon of leadership, sharing the court and the spotlight with her sister Serena. Her journey reflects a mindset carved from resilience and belief. “I’ve never thought about not reaching my goals,” she said during the 2021 Olympic Day when asked about facing disappointment. “It’s just a moment, but not a moment that defined me.” Those words still ring with the clarity of her competitive spirit.

Now, with a US Open return looming in mere weeks, Venus is once again preparing to step back into the arena. Her recent DC Open comeback after a 16-month absence may have ended in defeat, but even in loss, her hope burns bright.

Venus Williams faces tough first-round loss at Cincinnati Open

There was no fairytale chapter for Venus Williams at the 2025 Cincinnati Open. The 45-year-old icon of women’s tennis fell 4-6, 4-6 to Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the first round of the women’s singles draw. Her quest to finally lift a Cincinnati singles title, elusive in 11 previous attempts, was halted by the world No. 51, who stood firm despite flashes of the brilliance that once carried Venus to seven Grand Slam crowns.

Bouzas Maneiro, just 22 years old, admitted the challenge went far beyond tennis. “It wasn’t easy at all,” she confessed. “She’s a legend. It’s a privilege to play against her.”

For the Spaniard, the moment was almost surreal. “For me, it’s like a dream,” she added. “I never thought that I could play against Venus Williams, but here I am. So I’m just lucky for that.” She wasn’t even born when Venus won her first professional match.

While Venus was the less fortunate player this time, her career has been defined by resilience. Few know better how to turn the page after a setback than the former world No. 1, who recently overcame a private battle with fibroids to mount a comeback last month.

Her next chapter begins Tuesday, 19 August, when she returns to familiar territory for the mixed doubles event alongside Reilly Opelka. The question now is not whether Venus can rise again, but how far this enduring champion can go in the competition!