WTA icon Venus Williams recently opened up about living with Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that has plagued the former World No.1 for over a decade.

Williams withdrew from her second round match at the 2011 US Open due to an undisclosed illness, and it was later revealed that she had Sjogren's syndrome. The rheumatic autoimmune disorder is energy-sapping, which causes her to tire easily and experience joint pain.

Read also

Tennis fans left confused by Osaka comments at having a kid being a career ender, citing Azarenka, Serena Williams and Elina Svitolina

Discovering your limits is vital in living with the disease, says Williams

In a Q&A session with fans, Williams spoke about the best ways to deal with the disease while still living your best life.

"If your eyes are so dry, you can't function. Or your mouth is so dry that, I don't even want to mention the consequences," said the seven-time Grand Slam champion. "I hope you're getting the care you need, find out what medicines work for you.

Read also

"Women's tennis is not for failed male athletes": Martina Navratilova criticises USTA as transgender player Alicia Rowley wins national tournament

"Make sure you get enough sleep, find out what your limit is. If you push past your limit, you can start to crash. You can still achieve the same things but you are going to have to do it in a way that you can sustain. You can still achieve the same things, but you're going to have to do it in a way that you can sustain."