Former world number one Venus Williams has said she is embracing the challenge and joy of playing tennis again, as the 45-year-old prepares to return to competition at the Washington Open on Monday following a 16-month absence.
Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, had previously declined wildcard invitations to the WTA 500 tournament in the US capital but explained that she felt ready this year.
“Most of the time I don’t (take up the offer to play as a wildcard),” she said with a laugh during a press conference on Sunday. “But this time I had been hitting the ball. And of course I love the game and the hard courts, it’s my favourite surface, what I feel comfortable on. So all those different factors.”
Returning from a difficult year marked by health challenges and time away from the court, Williams said her priorities have shifted.
“My personal goal is to have fun and enjoy the moment, not put too much pressure on myself,” she said. “I don’t know if I define success at this moment in any sort of way other than believing in myself and sticking to my process. That’s not easy to do, especially after a layoff. So those are my goals.”
The American star, who has won Wimbledon five times and the US Open twice in singles, alongside 14 Grand Slam doubles titles with her sister Serena, has not played since the Miami Open in March 2024. Her last match win came in August 2023 at the Cincinnati Open where she defeated Russia’s Veronika Kudermetova in the first round.
She is scheduled to face fellow American Peyton Stearns in her opening match.
Reflecting on her long absence, Williams opened up about her battle with fibroids, which led to surgery last year.
“My health journey was very scary,” she revealed. “You know, this time a year ago I was preparing to go to surgery. There was no way for me to play tennis or play the US Open. I was just trying to get healthy.”
Looking ahead, the tennis icon remained tight-lipped about her long-term plans.
“I think I know what I want to do, but I don’t always want to talk about it,” she said. “I’m just here for now, and who knows? Maybe there’s more. Like I said, I hold my cards close, but at the moment, I’m focused just on this.”
Despite the uncertainties, Williams said she remains committed to her playing style and strengths as she takes on a new chapter in her storied career.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
Excerpt: Venus Williams says her return to tennis after a 16-month break was motivated by a desire for enjoyment.
Former world number one Venus Williams has said she is embracing the challenge and joy of playing tennis again, as the 45-year-old prepares to return to competition at the Washington Open on Monday following a 16-month absence.
Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, had previously declined wildcard invitations to the WTA 500 tournament in the US capital but explained that she felt ready this year.
“Most of the time I don’t (take up the offer to play as a wildcard),” she said with a laugh during a press conference on Sunday. “But this time I had been hitting the ball. And of course I love the game and the hard courts, it’s my favourite surface, what I feel comfortable on. So all those different factors.”
Returning from a difficult year marked by health challenges and time away from the court, Williams said her priorities have shifted.
“My personal goal is to have fun and enjoy the moment, not put too much pressure on myself,” she said. “I don’t know if I define success at this moment in any sort of way other than believing in myself and sticking to my process. That’s not easy to do, especially after a layoff. So those are my goals.”
The American star, who has won Wimbledon five times and the US Open twice in singles, alongside 14 Grand Slam doubles titles with her sister Serena, has not played since the Miami Open in March 2024. Her last match win came in August 2023 at the Cincinnati Open where she defeated Russia’s Veronika Kudermetova in the first round.
She is scheduled to face fellow American Peyton Stearns in her opening match.
Reflecting on her long absence, Williams opened up about her battle with fibroids, which led to surgery last year.
“My health journey was very scary,” she revealed. “You know, this time a year ago I was preparing to go to surgery. There was no way for me to play tennis or play the US Open. I was just trying to get healthy.”
Looking ahead, the tennis icon remained tight-lipped about her long-term plans.
“I think I know what I want to do, but I don’t always want to talk about it,” she said. “I’m just here for now, and who knows? Maybe there’s more. Like I said, I hold my cards close, but at the moment, I’m focused just on this.”
Despite the uncertainties, Williams said she remains committed to her playing style and strengths as she takes on a new chapter in her storied career.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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