The seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams responded to questions over her potential imminent retirement from the WTA Tour.
Venus Williams, astonishingly, is still hanging around the eves of the WTA Tour having made her tour debut in 1994, only two of the current top 10 were born by that time.
Having formed a historic rivalry with her sister Serena Williams throughout her career, she has kept on going while her younger sibling retired.
The 44-year-old has picked up seven singles major titles over the years as well as an astonishing 16 doubles titles, 14 of which in the women’s event.
With her imminent retirement assumed, Williams was quick to respond, issuing a typically bullish statement.
Venus Williams issues seven-word statement in fresh retirement update
The American has never shied away from much in her career, laying the groundwork for things like equal pay for female players.
After a difficult year or two on tour with patchy participation, Williams triumphantly said: “I’m not done with the racket yet,” via quotes from The Daily Express.
“At this point, 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.
“It’s nice to be in a place where I can pick and choose, but my game is always at a high level. Even if I’m not on tour, I always keep my game quite high.”
She did add however, that the tour’s relentless schedule provides a challenge: “As an athlete, as a tennis player, you’re playing 10 months a year what balance is that?” she said.
What was Venus Williams’ last match on the WTA Tour?
Technically considered an inactive player, Williams is nearly always awarded a wildcard entry if she fancies playing at an event.
Her last competitive outing in Miami came against Russian rising star Diana Shnaider, with the then 19-year-old winning in straight sets 6-3, 6-3.
Having also played and lost at Indian Wells and the 2023 US Open, you have to go back to Cincinnati last year for her most recent victory.
The American got the better of the 16th seeded Veronika Kudermetova 6-4, 7-5, in a battle that lasted over two hours.
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