Earlier this year Venus Williams traveled to the French Open with no intention to play. She then planned to do the same at Wimbledon but seeing the grass in person changed all that.
Nine months had gone by since the former world No.1 last played a match in the first round of the Chicago Open. At the age of 42 and with a troublesome knee issue, her lengthy absence from the sport sparked speculation that she is entering into retirement. This may still be the case but at The All England Club she couldn’t resist another go.
“It was definitely super last minute. I was just inspired by Serena (her sister),” said Williams.
The choice of her return is in the mixed doubles where she has paired up with Jamie Murray who won the title with Jelena Jankovic in 2007 and Martina Hingis in 2017. Playing their first match on Court One, they were greeted by loud screaming fans who cheered them on throughout the match. Spurring them on to defeat Alicja Rosolska and Michael Venus 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-3.
“I had no plan to play,” the seven-time Grand Slam winner admits. “I saw the grass and I got excited. I was at the French (Open), it’s a beautiful event, but my heart didn’t beat the same way.”
It is the ambiguity in Williams’ comments which makes it near impossible to establish what she may do in the future. This year might be the last time she plays at Wimbledon but then again she may have another last-minute change of heart in 12 months time again.
“You never know where I’ll pop up,” she replied when asked about a potential return.
Incredibly this year is the 25th anniversary of when Williams made her Wimbledon debut back in 1997. During her career, she has won 49 tour titles, spent 11 weeks as world No.1 and has earned more than $42M in prize money.
Despite her vast experience, you can never beat the feeling of success. This was evident following her mixed doubles triumph where she was seen sitting down momentarily to soak up the atmosphere.
“It was like, ‘Oh, my God, wow.’ I not only played a match but won a match. I’m never like that kind of player. I always expect to win. But when I sat there it was real. I felt something in my heart.” She said,
Hoping to continue her Wimbledon run, Williams and Murray will play Alicia Barnett and Jonny O’Mara. That could be Williams’ last match at SW19 but at the same time who knows what the future has in store?
