After an inspiring run at the Australian Open, seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams has still a lot to offer on the tennis court. The former World No 1’s on-court form has been nothing short of spectacular and she has made a resounding comeback after being diagnosed in 2011 with the debilitating Sjogren’s syndrome.
“I’m planning on playing tennis for a very long time yet,” Williams told Reuters. “That dream is still going strong.”
Since being diagnosed with the autoimmune disease that causes fatigue and joint pain and forced her to withdraw from the 2011 US Open, Williams had to rebuild her career. “Sjogren’s is something that stays around, hangs around in your body and tries to take over but that’s not how I see it. I’m running the show,” said Williams. “It’s definitely challenging, but it’s mind over matter for me to be able to live the life I want to live regardless.”
Williams, who won the last of her seven Grand Slam titles in 2008, is ready to win yet another Grand Slam. “I don’t like to go to bed at night knowing that I haven’t done my utmost to overcome any challenge that I’ve faced. I personally love a challenge and challenges motivate me,”
She also said that there was another Olympic run awaiting at the 2020 Games in Tokyo with sister Serena, bagging another gold is what they are aiming for, “That’s my absolute dream. I have a dream partner. I would love that,” said Venus.
