Venus and Serena Williams are two women with a reputation for restraining one another. For almost two decades, the two American tennis players dominated the sport. The era of supremacy ended when Serena announced her retirement from tennis after winning 23 grand slam titles. However, they faced obstacles and hardships during the most crucial years of their career.
Serena Williams recently opened up about how she felt when she initially learned about her sister’s genetic condition. Venus Williams, on the other hand, discussed how she handled some of her career’s most challenging years.
Serena Williams gives a stoic reaction to Venus’ genetic problem
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At a crucial moment in her career, Venus Williams faced a new challenge when she was diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome, a chronic autoimmune disorder, during the 2011 US Open. The revelation marked a turning point in her career, which became a hurdle to her glory in tennis. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, Venus’s spirit remained unshattered, as she voiced her determination to overcome this new trouble.
Intriguingly, Venus’s sister and fellow tennis legend, Serena Williams, stood as a pillar of strength. Serena however revealed that she had not been ever diagnosed with the syndrome even though it was genetic, yet she offered support laced with hope.
“I don’t have the same symptoms she’s had in the past,” Serena said. “Hopefully it will be different.” Serena’s stoic reaction upon learning about the genetic connection echoed her journey in the past revealing that she hadn’t been ever diagnosed with it. However, she voiced a fervent hope that Venus’s experience might differ, possibly signaling a less severe manifestation of the disorder.
The way this Sjogren Syndrome is having Venus Williams. Yet she's still powering through it.
— Ok. (@OkayKwa) May 26, 2013
“I think she’s really happy now that she knows what it is after all this time,” she said. “I think, if anything, it’s going to help her now to treat it and go forward,” said Serena while praying for a speedy recovery for her sister.
The diagnosis, rather than dimming Venus’s spirit, seemed to ignite a positive transformation in her. Serena noted that Venus’s newfound clarity about her condition brought a renewed sense of happiness. Through this diagnosis, Venus gained an understanding that promised to guide her toward the right treatment and management.
However, after beating the disease, Venus has never backed off in raising awareness about the disease and helping people know more about it.
Venus Williams stands up to promote Sjogren’s awareness
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Venus Williams, who has had a wonderful impact on the tennis courts has never backed off in promoting awareness citing issues of major concern. After successfully battling the syndrome, Venus came forward to talk about the disease and appreciated the people who shared their stories with her. This led her to learn more about the disease while encouraging people to talk openly about it and not hide this disease.
Venus participated in the last year’s Sjorgen awareness campaign held in April. Thus, Venus Williams has been a beacon of strength and admiration to her fans. Her spirit to never give up is what has inspired fans over the years.
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Also, Serena Williams has always been her light even in the darkest of times. Her support is what drives the elderly to keep going even through the hardest times.
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