“It’s a Relationship” – Venus Williams Reveals Why Tennis Brings Her Joy Even at 40

Veteran American tennis star Venus Williams has yet again reaffirmed her undying love and passion for the sport and how it continues to thrill even at 40.

In an interview with Footwear News, the seven-time Grand Slam champion said despite being on the professional circuit for close to three decades, tennis “just keeps giving her more”.

No better feeling than nailing a shot: Venus Williams

Venus said that she has developed such a symbiotic relationship with tennis over the years that the satisfaction or kick that she draws out of it isn’t limited to results on court.

She said that when her shots come off well on a practice court, there’s “no better feeling” for her.

The American added that she still experiences the same joy as she did as a 20-year-old when she nails a shot in practice and often can’t help punching the air or pumping her fist as she would in a match.

“I love the game. It’s a relationship. When things click there’s no better feeling. When I’m out there in practice and I get a shot, I pump my fist. It feels good,” the ageless champion said.

Adding that she takes her practice matches dead seriously and invests the same energies and emotions as she would in a match, Williams said, “It’s not even a practice match, it’s literally practice. Come on, it’s the best.”

Venus hasn’t had results going her way this year

Though results matter little for someone her age, Venus hasn’t had a particularly fruitful time out in the court this year. 

She had opened her Australian Open campaign with an emphatic win over Belgian Kirsten Flipkens, giving hope to her fans of going deep in a Grand Slam she has never won. However, the five-time Wimbledon champion bowed out in the second round after losing to Italian Sara Errani.

She couldn’t clear the qualifiers for the Miami Open, going down to Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan in a round-of-128 clash.

Venus received a wildcard for the Mutua Madrid Open this year but fell in the opening round to Australian Open runners-up Jennifer Brady.

Read More: “I Can’t Control God”: Venus Williams Encounters a Disappointing Exit From WTA Parma 2021

She followed up with a tame exit at WTA Parma, which was the last event for her to build some clay court form ahead of Roland-Garros.