Venus Williams is more than just a tennis legend; she’s a symbol of resilience, grace, and determination. Over the years, we’ve seen her battle it out on the court, turning the tides in her favor when victory seemed impossible. Whether it’s her powerful serves or her never-say-die attitude, Venus has shown time and again that she’s a force to be reckoned with. But it’s not just her skill with a racket that sets her apart. The challenges Venus has faced off the court have been just as demanding, and she’s tackled them with the same strength and poise that she brings to every match.

Williams has faced some critical situations in her life. Be it her diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome, an incurable autoimmune disease whose symptoms include pain, numbness, and fatigue, or her inability to mark her dominant presence on the court, the tennis star has seen it all. But despite this, she is determined to stay positive as expressed by her in a recent interaction with Harper’s Bazaar, on September 10th. 

Speaking in the interview, Williams opened up on how tennis helped her evolve as an individual. She revealed that the resilient attitude that she developed on the tennis courts, helped her to a great extent in her life, through which she also strengthened her mental tenacity. “When I was younger, if I had a bad practice, I’d have a horrible day,” she recalled. Continuing further, she shared how she changed her perspective on life.

 “After a while I was like, ‘I can’t live like this anymore. I’m tired of being so upset.’ Stress is a heavy matter, but it’s a moment in time. You can’t carry it with you, so I compartmentalize it. Whatever happens, everything is going to be OK. You don’t want to die with that stuff!” Interestingly, the recently concluded Olympics also witnessed Mental health being at the forefront. 

The topic of mental health and sport highlighted the crushing responsibility that comes with being at the top of your game – and staying there. The tennis arena has also witnessed several players explaining time and again the tough phase they go through which breaks their zeal to compete at professional levels. However, Williams’ latest remarks would indeed become a guiding Mantra for many budding players who find themselves at the centre of such scenarios. The star player herself explained how she made difficult choices that impacted her at times. 

“I needed a permanent vacation,” Venus Williams makes shocking revelation

Venus Williams has turned 44 but despite her age, she does not wish to hang up her racquets anytime soon. Speaking in the interview, she said that she would continue to play tennis to avoid aging and remain fit for as long as possible. However, such processes can often take a toll on an athlete’s body and Williams is not different. 

Chatting in the interview, Williams said, “I have never neared a burnout, although last week I said I needed a permanent vacation! But I was going too hard for a few months with my schedule. That was my decision. We don’t always have a choice, but periods of rest are so important.”

As the season progresses, it would be interesting to see if Venus Williams can make a comeback on the tennis courts anytime soon and prove her dominance on the tennis courts yet again.