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.
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.
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.