“Like Gladiators”: Venus Williams Opens up About Childhood Training Days With Serena Williams

It has been a year where senior tennis player like Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal had decided to skip a major chunk of their respective tours due to injuries. Another important legend to join that list was Serena’s elder sister, Venus Williams.

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The seven-time grand slam champion announced her withdrawal from the US Open last month citing a leg injury. Venus managed to play just 12 matches throughout the year and was last seen on-court at the Chicago Women’s Open, where she lost to Hsieh Su-Wei in the first round.

As the comeback of Venus is yet to be revealed, the American made her intentions clear of wanting to return to the sport when she is 100% ready. In the meantime, the legendary tennis player engages herself in several business decisions as an entrepreneur.

Venus Williams reminisces childhood training days with Serena in recent interview

The former world number one recently gave an interview to popular fashion and entertainment magazine for women, Cosmopolitan. Speaking to Sylvia Obell about the struggles she endured as a child trying to make it big in tennis, Venus Williams talked about her mindset during that phase.

“I didn’t see myself as different. I saw myself as a great player. I thought that I was better, that I could win”, told Venus.

The success of Venus Williams paved the way for Serena to go on and accomplish her dreams. The role their father(Richard Williams) played in pushing the Williams’ sisters was inexplicable. Venus also talked a bit about her influence on Serena during their childhood days.

“We’re like gladiators out there, literally. You go out there with your lance and it’s just you”, commented the American.

Not just on each other, the Williams sisters inspired a generation of women to fight hard for their dreams and instill belief in themselves to achieve their respective goals.

Also read: Comfort and Style: Venus Williams Launches New ‘Essential’ Collection From Her Apparel Line