Venus Williams commented on the importance of having a back-up plan in life.
The American tennis legend engaged in a round of questions and answers through social media and recalled how much she enjoyed going to school while growing up.
Williams began her professional career at the age of 14 in 1994, hailed as the great young tennis star of her time. The former world No. 1 has been in the professional circuit for 29 years and has expressed her intentions to continue competing.
The 7-time Grand Slam champion ended the grass season with positive feelings. Despite the results (one victory and three defeats), Venus Williams showed that she still has the level to compete in major tournaments at the age of 43.
In fact, she achieved a surprising victory over Camila Giorgi and pushed Jelena Ostapenko to a third set at the Birmingham Open.
During her recent interaction with fans, she answered some of their questions and reflected on the importance of having a back-up plan while thinking about the future.
“I was a nerd. I loved school, I didn't wanna leave school & when I got in high school I was like ‘I wish I was still there.’ The most important part is you don’t know what your future is, so you have to have a backup plan,” Venus Williams said.
Williams will return to competition this Monday following her elimination in the first round of Wimbledon against Elina Svitolina.
At the Canadian Open, the former world No. 1 has been drawn to face her compatriot and 13th seed, Madison Keys, in the first round. The North Americans have faced each other on five occasions, with two victories for Williams and three for Keys.
The younger of the Williams sisters has only advanced beyond the third round in Canada once, when she reached the final in 2014 but was defeated by Polish player Agnieszka Radwanska.
Venus Williams on importance of having a back-up plan: “I was a nerd. I loved school, I didn't wanna leave school & when I got in high school I was like ‘I wish I was still there.’ The most important part is you don’t know what your future is, so you have to have a backup plan”
