"My little sister Serena told me I'm not allowed to quit" says Venus Williams as 43-year-old plots Indian Wells and Miami in return

Venus Williams is aiming for a comeback at Indian Wells and the Miami Open at the age of 43. The former world No. 1 hasn't played since her defeat at the 2023 US Open and hopes to return in March, marking a comeback after seven months in her 30th year of her career. She also discussed the influence of her sister Serena Williams on her decision to continue her professional career.

The 7-times Grand Slam champion suffered a tough defeat against Belgian Greet Minnen, losing 6-1, 6-1 in what has been her most challenging loss at Flushing Meadows in her career. She has completed 100 matches and claimed the title in 2000 and 2001.

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Venus Williams plans return to the court

As Williams acknowledged, her physical condition was not optimal when she played the US Open, as she had physical discomfort in the weeks leading up to the tournament. "I tried my best to recover for the US Open. I did not reach my form so now I am just resting until I get back," she said. "I am targeting March, that's when the tournaments go back to the States, so my goal is to be up and running when tournaments come back to the U.S.”

“One of my big goals is to play United States, to play in the Miami Open and at Indian Wells. I have not played there since 2019 due to injuries. It’s a long time… It’s a lot of years not to play at home.” she stated. “So that’s of course one of my big goals on the horizon, is to be there, prepare to do that. Amongst many goals on the court too,” Venus continued.

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Serena’s influence

Recently, Venus Williams uploaded a video on her YouTube channel in which she explained her extended recovery from knee issues. It was her younger sister, the 23-time Grand Slam champion, who provided her with some advice.

“My little sister, Serena, told me I'm not allowed to quit, and of course, I would never quit. But it's the mandate. She said no, so I will be back on the court,” Venus Williams commented.

“I don't talk a lot about my injuries because I hate complaining,” the 3-times Miami Open champion added. “I felt terrible about that, because when I give my word, I keep it. When I said I was going to Cleveland, I meant it, and the fact I had to withdraw, I felt miserable because that's not me. I do what I say I'm going to do,” she concluded.