Venus Williams Returns: A Quiet Powerhouse on the Hard Court
Veteran Tennis Star Offers Glimpse into Her Comeback Strategy
WASHINGTON, D.C. — At 45, Venus Williams is back on the tennis court, making her first appearance in over a year. Known for her strategic approach to competition, Williams met with the press, offering few explicit details about her return, preferring to “keep things close to the vest.”
The “Why” Behind the Comeback
When asked about her return to the game and the choice of Washington D.C., **Williams** cited practice, a love for hard courts – her preferred surface – and a sense of opportune timing.
“Most of the time I don’t [take up the offer to play as a wild card, laughing]. But this time I had been hitting the ball. And of course I love the game and the hard courts, it’s my favorite surface, what I feel comfortable on. So all those different factors.”
—Venus Williams
The Long Game: Future Plans Remain Under Wraps
Despite having a plan for her future in the sport, **Williams** remains tight-lipped about her long-term intentions, emphasizing her current focus.
“I think I know what I want to do, but I don’t always want to talk about it. I’m just here for now, and who knows? Maybe there’s more. Like I said, I hold my cards close, but at the moment, I’m focused just on this.”
—Venus Williams
Redefining Success Post-Layoff
Following a 16-month hiatus and a significant health challenge last year, **Williams**’ definition of success has shifted from match results to internal fortitude. Her current goals center on enjoying the present moment and maintaining self-belief.
“My personal goal is to have fun I think right now and enjoy the moment, not put too much pressure on myself. I don’t know if I define success at this moment in any sort of way other than believing in myself and sticking to my process.
That’s not easy to do, especially after a layoff. So those are my goals.”
—Venus Williams
The Competitive Fire Still Burns
When queried about her belief in her ability to win, **Williams** affirmed her competitive spirit, proudly identifying as a “big hitter.” Her immediate objective is clear: consistency on court.
“I definitely feel I’ll play well. I’m still the same player. I’m a big hitter. I hit big. This is my brand [smiling].
So it’s about hitting big and actually putting it in. So this will be my effort: put it in the court. That’s my main goal.”
—Venus Williams
Navigating Health and the Drive to Play
While she avoided the term “retirement,” **Williams** candidly discussed the severity of her health issues last year, which necessitated preparations for surgery and put tennis on hold. Her return underscores the progress she has made.
“Yeah, my health journey was very scary. You know, this time a year ago I was preparing to go to surgery. There was no way for me to play tennis or play the US Open. … I was just trying to get healthy.”
—Venus Williams
Enduring Passion for the Game
Reflecting on her time away, **Williams** shared her appreciation for the sport’s inherent challenges and the thrill of competition, even observing Wimbledon as a spectator.
“I think just the pure fun of playing the game, the fun of the challenge, overcoming — when you play, you overcome so many challenges: your opponents, the conditions, a lot of times you have to overcome yourself. Those things are very exciting.”
—Venus Williams
A Champion’s Duty to the Sport
While not explicitly mentioning legacy, **Williams** acknowledged her significant platform, particularly in championing women’s sports, and her commitment to representation and promotion within tennis. As of early 2024, there are over 1.5 million registered junior tennis players in the United States, highlighting the sport’s broad appeal. USTA Statistics.
“I always felt a big responsibility towards promoting tennis and also promoting women’s sports. … I’m in love with tennis, so to have an opportunity to have this platform to promote the game even now is a great opportunity.”
—Venus Williams
