“I’m Amazed That Venus Williams Is Still Playing” – Martina Navratilova

Former World No.1 Venus Williams has just turned 40 recently and continues to play at the highest level. She is still continuing her long career which started in 1994 surpassing many people’s imaginations and surprising few.

The few surprised notably include the legendary Martina Navratilova. The Czech born American needs no introduction. Winning a combined total of 59 Grand Slams in singles, women’s doubles and Mixed doubles, a record that still stands among men and women with no one coming close.

“I used to think that Venus Williams would retire sometime around her 25th birthday” – Martina Navratilova

It was surprising for Navratilova to see Williams continuing in the WTA tour in her 40s. In her column for WTA, she wrote about the eldest of the Williams sisters.

“I’m amazed that Venus is still playing on the WTA Tour at the age of 40, especially when you consider she has also been dealing with Sjögren’s syndrome, an auto-immune disease that can sap your energy.” wrote Navratilova

“I used to think that Venus would retire sometime around her 25th birthday. I remember her saying as a young woman that she would quit tennis in her mid-20s and do something else. “ she added

Navratilova called Williams a leader for equality. She said that Venus has been a political and social leader. And has been very vocal about fighting for equality. She has carried that baton for equality for years, along with her younger sister Serena.

Venus has won seven grand slams and is a former World No.1. Navratilova describes her as someone who is special and distinctive. She said it’s difficult to play and be like Venus Williams. Williams has a different style of tennis which amazes Navratilova. Venus is someone who doesn’t give up easily and loves tennis.

“Venus has reached the very top in tennis but even though she is now ranked outside the Top 50. She still seems to be hugely motivated to compete at the highest level, 20 years after she won her first singles major at the 2000 Wimbledon Championships. “ wrote Navratilova

This quarantine period, Venus has turned herself as a social media influencer. She has been posting workout videos and giving beauty tips on Instagram. Williams even gave makeup tips and has launched her beauty care brand. At 40 she is healthy as ever and still loves her tennis.