After recovering from a serious knee injury, Venus Wiliams returned to the courts for the very first time in March this year. One of her bigger goals this year was to play in the US at the Miami Open and the Indian Wells. She managed to attain her goals and the 43-year-old American tennis star has featured in only those two tournaments so far this year. Although she made an early exit in both of those tournaments, her presence on the court is always a bliss to watch for all the tennis fans (including her sister Serena Williams). Serena Williams played a crucial role in her sister’s decision to keep playing. What does she think about the motivation of Venus Williams to play, even at this age?

During a recent interview New York Times, Serena Williams kept mum about Venus Williams’ uncertain tennis future. However, she reflected a bit on the real reason why her elder sister has still been playing at this age. The 42-year-old was asked the following two questions: “Do you ever talk with Venus about why she still plays? Do you understand why she’s still out there?”

“Venus loves tennis. I think the question would be best answered by her. I do not want to speak for her. But we both love tennis. Honestly, I feel like I would still be playing if I didn’t have to stop and have a family,” Serena Williams replied to the interviewer. Serena, focused on family after retirement, leaves Venus to explain her ongoing passion for tennis. Venus reveals a playful nudge: “Serena told me I’m not allowed to…”

It’s now quite predictable that Venus Williams is going to retire sooner or later! But which tournament the seven-time Grand Slam champion will choose as her last tournament? Well, that’s quite unpredictable at the moment. However, making a comeback after suffering cartilage damage is always a tough ask. She described her injury from Wimbledon last year as one of the “craziest” injuries she has ever had. Her sister stood beside her like a strong pillar and kept her hunger burning to make a comeback.

Recalling those moments, Venus Williams once stated, “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.” Venus Williams became a pro tennis player in 1994 and her sister became a professional player a year later. Serena Williams called an end to her illustrious career in 2022 to focus on her family. However, Venus Williams has yet to take a final call on her career. She’s now away from the court for an unspecified duration.

Both the sisters have had some incredible achievements on the court, but how “difficult” was it to face each other?

“I didn’t like to compete…” – Serena Williams on playing against Venus Williams

Although Serena Williams ended her illustrious career having a 19-12 edge over her elder sister in the H2H, she feels it was really very much “difficult” to play against her. During a recent conversation, the 23-time Grand Slam champion revealed, “I didn’t really like it, I didn’t like to compete with my best friend. It’s very difficult, ” Serena Williams said to PEOPLE.

Elaborating more on that she added, “But some people like it. Some people are like, ‘I want my sibling to go down.’ And I’m like, ‘I want her to win too,’ and so it was very difficult. It was very hard.” Her love and respect for her sister are often portrayed through her speeches and physical presence during Venus Williams’ matches. In the Miami Open this year she was spotted cheering for her “best friend“ from the stands during her first-round match.

While it remains to be seen when Venus call it quits, share your thoughts on this amazing bonding between the Williams sisters.