Venus Williams Vows to Continue Tennis Career Amidst Diverse Ventures

Tennis icon Venus Williams has confirmed her intention to remain active in professional tennis, despite a career that has spanned three decades and permeated her life with various obligations. “As an athlete, as a tennis player, you’re playing 10 months a year – what balance is that?” Williams remarked, emphasizing the demanding nature of her profession since her career’s inception in 1994.

Williams, a revered figure in the tennis world with seven Grand Slam singles titles, including five at Wimbledon, continues to defy age-related expectations. At 44, she marked her 24th appearance at the US Open last year. Reflecting on a recent hiatus after competing in March’s Miami Open, she humorously noted, “Then I took some time off the court to do all kinds of things… I need to go back to tennis so I can have some time to myself!”

Beyond the court, Williams is an accomplished entrepreneur, managing an interior design firm and the plant-based protein shake company, Happy Viking. Adding to her portfolio, she showcased recycled tennis gear in a bespoke costume at the Vogue World show in Paris last June. She admitted that her recent break was uncharted territory and “a big learning experience” that urged her to seek daily balance.

Williams reassured fans that her tennis career remains a priority, stating, “I’m not done with the racket yet.” She emphasized, “It’s about picking and choosing places I want to be. Last year I really wanted to play in Miami home because I hadn’t played there in like five years.” This flexibility allows her to maintain high-level gameplay, even when not on the tour.

The tennis realm has notably felt the absence of both Williams and her sister, Serena, particularly during this year’s absence at the Championships, marking a significant gap since 1996. Williams acknowledges their competitive yet close relationship, humorously lamenting, “It’s not nice for the little sister to beat the older sister all the time!”

In addition to her athletic achievements, Williams prioritizes happiness and personal fulfillment over mere accolades. Her book, “Strive: 8 Steps To Train For Success,” highlights her holistic approach to success, integrating diet, exercise, social dynamics, and mental health. She stresses, “Number one is happiness. If you are not happy, nothing feels good or successful.”

Williams’ experience with Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder diagnosed a decade ago, is a testament to her resilience. She candidly describes the challenge of accepting a condition “that flares up unexpectedly, causing pain, numbness, and fatigue,” particularly when her career demands peak physical performance.

Reflecting on health, Williams asserts, “Being able to live your dreams or have that opportunity to go for it, that’s a huge part of happiness and wellness.” Her book emphasizes personal wellness, encouraging individuals to appreciate both their achievements and themselves, despite constant self-criticism.

Imparting her wisdom, Williams believes mastering one’s mindset is crucial, especially in a mentally demanding sport like tennis. She states, “At the end of the day, the person who wins the match in tennis is the one who feels good about what they’re doing.” Her philosophy underlines the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, even amidst imperfections.