‘You Have to Enjoy Yourself’ – Venus Williams Details Inspiring Note on How She Manages to Enjoy Life Despite Her Auto-Immune Disease

Venus Williams is one of the best players in the WTA. She has won seven Grand Slams, 49 singles titles, and 22 doubles titles in total. Also, she has brought America four Olympics gold medals. However, her career isn’t all glitters as she has faced her share of hardships.

Apart from the on-court injuries, Venus struggled with an issue that took a lot from her. Venus suffered from swollen joints, fatigue, and eye and mouth dryness for almost six years before being diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome. Therefore, recently when asked about the same, she spoke about how she dealt with it mentally.

Venus Williams about her journey

Williams sat down for an interview with Stepping Stone and opened up about her fight with the disease, which has been pestering her since 2011. After admitting that she always felt tired and lying in bed or sitting in a chair was hard and painful. The former World No.1 said, “No one really knows what each person goes through. Life is about enjoying yourself and being able to look back and smile and say, ‘I enjoyed my life.'”

Further, Williams spoke about how people should not lose hope and keep cherishing what they have. And said, “Even in the worst of times, you have to enjoy yourself. Life is a sport of endurance.”

Read more: ‘Keeping the Secret for a Long Time’ – Venus Williams Can’t Contain Her Excitement as Serena Williams’ Much-Anticipated Return Gets Confirmed

Sjogren’s syndrome is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease. Because of this, the body’s immune system attacks and destroys its healthy tissues. It identifies as chronic and systemic, as it lasts for several years and targets different organs.

Updates on Williams’ return

Williams hasn’t had an impactful run since last year and currently is keeping out of the courts as she is recovering from a leg injury. Though a recent announcement made the chances of her return bleaker.

Amidst all the rumors of the seven-time Grand Slam champion’s retirement, her present coach, Eric Hechtman, has decided to travel alongside Serena Williams. Thus making Venus’ intention of not playing the grass swing clear. Williams, who herself is making a comeback after a long injury-ridden break, will be restarting her game from the greens of England.

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Hechtman has been training the 41-year-old since the year 2019 and the pair is yet to claim their first title. With the duration of Serena and Eric’s partnership still unclear, one can expect Venus to secure some titles under his guidance.