12 Years After Shocking Diagnosis, Venus Williams Steps Up to Raise Awareness About a Debilitating Condition

Venus Williams‘ journey to the top echelons of tennis was not without difficulties. Back in 2011, the American tennis icon was diagnosed with the second most common autoimmune disease, Sjogren’s syndrome, which threatened her competitive journey. Now, after almost 12 years, the seven-time singles Grand Slam champion recently spoke out about the disease that forced her to reevaluate her lifestyle.

Having been through the hardships of the syndrome, Williams knows what it feels like to have an autoimmune disease. Notably, the 43-year-old player is doing her bit to raise awareness about Sjogren’s syndrome by using her platform yet again.

Venus Williams spreads awareness about autoimmune disease

Most recently, Williams took to her Instagram stories to share an important message about Sjogren’s syndrome, which causes joint pain and fatigue. While sharing a ‘Patient to Patient’ experience, the seven-time singles Grand Slam champion added the caption, “It’s important to know the symptoms and signs of the autoimmune disease #sjogrenssyndrome.”

In 2011, the WTA superstar revealed that she had an autoimmune disease, which forced her to withdraw during that season’s U.S. Open. Venus Williams was also forced to reevaluate her lifestyle as she had to take up a strict vegan diet and fitness regime. Having experienced all these challenges, the 43-year-old has often used her platform to raise awareness about the second most common autoimmune disease in the US.

Apart from spreading awareness about Sjogren’s syndrome, the former world No. 1 player has also impured others with her comeback story. After her saddening diagnosis, Williams made a stellar return to the tour as she didn’t let her syndrome affect her illustrious tennis journey.

Williams’ comeback on the tour amidst her off-court battle

Back in 2011, Venus had to pull out from several tournaments due to which she dropped out from the top 100 players rankings. However, with a strict vegan diet and a new fitness regime, the American tennis legend made a stellar return to the tour in the 2012 season jumping to rank 24. After her comeback, Venus played her first match at the Luxembourg Open.

Reminiscing about that moment, Venus Williams previously shared an inspiring message in one of her social media posts.  “This tournament meant a lot to me. My first win after coming back from my layoff from an autoimmune disease. Never let anything get you down,” the former Wimbledon champion said.

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With her hard work, determination, and triumph in the face of adversity, Venus undoubtedly serves as an inspiration on and off the court.

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