Venus Williams Aims for WTA 1000 Events Comeback, Inspired by Sister Serena

Former World No. 1, Venus Williams, is gearing up for a triumphant return to tennis during the North American hard-court season, drawing inspiration from her sister, Serena Williams.

In a recent video shared on her YouTube channel, the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion revealed her ambitions to participate in the WTA 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami, terming them as “big goals.”

“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. So that’s, of course, one of my big goals on the horizon,” Williams expressed in the video. She acknowledged the support from her younger sister, Serena Williams, stating, “My little sister, Serena, told me I’m not allowed to quit, and, of course, I would never quit.”

Venus Williams, now 43, discussed the challenges she faced with injuries over the past year, shedding light on a knee injury sustained at Wimbledon last summer. Despite not usually dwelling on injuries, Williams shared the impact of cartilage damage, describing it as one of the “craziest” injuries in her illustrious career.

Post her early exit at Wimbledon, the persistent swelling and pain affected her training and even walking, leading to withdrawal from events in Montreal, Cincinnati, and the US Open. Despite the setbacks, Williams managed a Top 10 victory in Cincinnati, showcasing her resilience.

To compete at the US Open, Venus Williams resorted to a cortisone injection, a first in her three-decade career, though it provided little relief. Her season concluded with a challenging loss at the hands of Belgian qualifier Greet Minnen in the first round, marking her heaviest defeat at the home Grand Slam event.

Determined and inspired, Venus Williams is set on her path for a remarkable comeback, driven by her love for the game and unwavering commitment.

–IANS