Venus wants fun after 16-month absence

Former world number one Venus Williams said she was embracing the challenge and joy of tennis after a difficult year marked by health concerns and time away from the court as the 45-year-old prepares for her return at the Washington Open on Monday.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion declined wildcard entries into the tournament in the nation’s capital in the past but said she felt up to the challenge this year.

“Most of the time I don’t (take up the offer to play as a wildcard),” she said with a laugh on Sunday.
“But this time I had been hitting the ball. And of course I love the game and the hard courts, it’s my favourite surface, what I feel comfortable on. So all those different factors.”

Williams is setting new personal goals, prioritising enjoyment over results.

“My personal goal is to have fun and enjoy the moment, not put too much pressure on myself,” she said.

“I don’t know if I define success at this moment in any sort of way other than believing in myself and sticking to my process. That’s not easy to do, especially after a layoff. So those are my goals.”

(Agencies)