Venus Williams, once a towering figure in tennis, has found herself facing an uncertain chapter in her storied career. A legend who once dominated the courts with her powerful serve and fierce determination, Williams has been struggling to recapture the magic that made her a household name. For many of the new generation of tennis enthusiasts, Williams is more of a mythic figure—an icon from the past—rather than a current contender. 

Her recent absence from the tennis scene has only fueled speculation and concern among her fans. The big question that seems to be on everyone’s mind is: Has Williams quietly stepped away from the sport she helped shape? The answer to the elephant in the room is a big NO! Williams has not quit the sport. In fact, she has often desired to make a significant comeback and prove her mettle yet again on the tennis courts. And that big moment might not be too far!

Believe it or not, the star player who will soon be taking part in the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics, has a huge possibility of making a comeback at the US Open this season. The 44-year-old has had a significant record on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, where she has won four titles – two in singles and two in doubles. While the tennis star has failed to get a wild card at mega events this year including the recently concluded Wimbledon, it is likely that she can get the privilege at her home Grand Slam. 

For the unversed, Williams had also received a wild card in the previous edition of the US Open. However, she failed to dominate the courts and lost in the first round of the match itself, 6-1, 6-1 against Greet Minnen. Williams also has a possibility of getting wild cards for the doubles tournaments, not just in the US Open but several other events going further, given her impeccable record in the category.

Williams has won 14 Grand Slams in the doubles category and 4 of her Olympic medals have emerged while she played in doubles or mixed doubles. She can go the Andy Murray way to bid adieu to her fans playing doubles. Remember, the star player suffered a horror knee injury at Wimbledon against Elina Svitolina after she fell in the third game of her first-round match. “I spent the whole summer pretty injured with my knee, like really struggling with it,” she said on her YouTube Channel. And since then, she has failed to achieve significantly with the former World No.1 currently standing at the 531st spot. 

This year, the seven-time Grand Slam champion has participated only in two events: the Indian Wells Masters and the Miami Open. While her performance and absence raised speculations, Venus once revealed the Serena factor, which is stopping her from retirement. 

What did Serena Williams do to stop Venus from retiring?

Venus’ injuries and her subpar performance lately must have forced the star player to consider her retirement. But ahead of her endeavors this season, Williams revealed that her younger sister Serena does not want her to quit the sport. 

In a video on her YouTube channel in January this year, Venus highlighted the desire of Serena. “My little sister, Serena, told me I’m not allowed to quit, and of course, I would never quit. But it’s the mandate. She said no, so I will be back on the court.” She had further revealed her plans for the year which included participating in the US Open. “One of my big goals is to play United States, to play in the Miami Open and at Indian Wells.”

With the US Open around the corner, it would be interesting to see if Venus can actually fulfill her dream and make a return to the courts. Will she get a wild card? Well, only time will tell.