VENUS MYSTERY: No news on Venus Williams returning to tennis a year after her last match

Venus Ebony Starr Williams, in short Venus Williams, has been an icon in women’s tennis. Not having competed for over a year, her last appearance at the Miami Open on March 2024, there is a genuine fear she could well be removed from the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) database for being an ‘inactive’ player. Sounds bizarre? No, this is the truth of Venus, the elder sister of Serena Williams, who first grabbed headlines over 25 years ago at the Grand Slams, notably Wimbledon.

This writer is privileged to have watched the Williams sisters since the late 90s. Travelling in tow with two squabbling parents as well for company, Venus was the tall and graceful athlete who went on to win seven Grand Slam titles, where five came on slick grass at The Championships in Wimbledon. For those who watched Venus play at that time, her serve-and-volley stuff was silken and smooth. And when she jammed up with sister Serena in doubles, they were a potent combination.

Somewhere along the lines, Serena stepped up, became more serious and went on to win more. Why this is being discussed now is relevant since Venus has stopped playing tournaments but has still not ‘retired’ officially. She has showed up at a few tennis events and even refused wild cards, the Indian Wells included. The latest, Venus is ranked 1151. That’s almost like being nothing, even as a beginner. Does Venus deserve this or will she return at Wimbledon with a wild card this summer is being speculated intensely.

At 44, and well past her prime, Venus does practice and had to apparently pay 195 British Pound Sterling to keep her playing licence intact. She has not let it go, since it took her time to build this reputation. As someone well aware of how hard modern tennis is and how the game has evolved, Venus not retiring is a personal decision. There have also been many cases where women have retired or got married, then had a child and returned to tennis. Serena had a love child and was actually expecting when she won her last Australin Open in 2018.

In contrast, Venus has been away from all this stiff, though, in response to a question at Wimbledon 2023, she said ‘dating her’ would be next to impossible. So, the top of mind question is, what is her relationship with tennis. It is well-known, even after an active sports career, athletes do not give up so easily. One recent example is how Sachin Tendulkar passionately played in the International Masters League and showcased his batting skills adroitly.

In tennis, there is a seniors’ tour as well, though Venus would not want to get into like icon Martina Navratilova, who returned well past her peak to win doubles titles with Leander Paes at the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2003. Martina still says Leander is her favourite mixed doubles partner, after all these years. If someone like Martina came back at the age of 45 plus to partner Leander, one should not rule out Venus returning to the tennis courts.

Yes, playing singles will be next to impossible, as the game is now so power-centric and the women also hit the ball so hard. For someone like Venus, whose court coverage was described as ‘gazelle-like grace’ producing that same speed and athleticism seems impossible. For romantic relics as fans of tennis, Venus still is a topic of discussion. Will she return or keep people guessing, fans will know by the Wimbledon fortnight towards the end June. Venus has a roaring business -- V Starr Interior Design in the USA.

Can she make a return for just the sake of romance and emotions, nobody knows. Maybe, not even Venus Williams herself.