'Winning And Losing Knows No Age': Venus Williams Shuts Down Talks Of Retirement
Despite setbacks, serious health issues, and the natural wear of time, Venus continues to defy expectations — proving that passion and perseverance can transcend age.
Many believed the 2024 Miami Open might be Venus' final appearance on the WTA Tour.
But that prediction didn't last long.
Last month, the 45-year-old received a wild-card entry into the Citi Open in Washington, D.C. In a stunning display of resilience, she defeated world No. 35 Peyton Stearns — becoming the oldest player to win a WTA singles match since Martina Navratilova triumphed at Wimbledon in 2004 at the age of 47.
Though she fell to Magdalena Frech in the next round, Venus had already proven her point — age is just a number.
Now preparing for the WTA 1000 event in Cincinnati, Venus remains undeterred.
Health Battles Off the Court
Williams' comeback is all the more remarkable considering what she has endured off the court. Diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome in 2011, Venus faced a far more serious obstacle last year.
She underwent surgery to remove fibroids and a large focal adenomyoma embedded in her uterine muscle — a procedure surrounded by risk and uncertainty.
Now healthy and focused, Venus will open her Cincinnati campaign against Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
'At the end of the day, you have to live your life on your own terms," she said.
'Your terms should be yours. It doesn't matter what anyone else says or what anyone else thinks. If you get to live life on your own terms, that's a life well-lived, and I firmly believe in that."
Eyes on the US Open — and Beyond
After Cincinnati, Venus is set to play the 2025 US Open, where she will compete in mixed doubles alongside Reilly Opelka in the tournament's newly launched format. She's also hoping for a singles wild-card entry.
Could this be her final chapter? Probably not. At 46, she may well return in 2026.
(with agency inputs)
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