"If you're not mentally strong, you'll never be able to succeed": Venus Williams gives key to longevity in sport as she looks ahead to Wimbledon

Although WTA icon Venus Williams fell in the second round of her Birmingham Classic campaign, the former World No.1 has no plans of slowing down.

Williams defeated Camila Giorgi in the opening round in Birmingham to notch her first tour win in months, but came up short against Jelena Ostapenko in the following round. Nonetheless, the American appeared positive after her loss, stating she was delighted to still be able to play high-level tennis at this stage of her career.

"I’m excited to keep building on my performance as I continue playing throughout the summer tournament season," said the 43-year old. "Ultimately, I’m just so happy to continue doing what I love."

The seven-time Grand Slam champion credited her mental strength for her longevity, claiming it was an undervalued aspect of the game.

"Tennis … is as mental as it is physical," she added. "You can be the strongest, fastest player in the world with the best technique, but if you’re not mentally strong, you’ll never be able to succeed at the highest level.

"If I weren’t consciously working to sustain my mental health. I wouldn’t be able to play as long as I have at this level."