Venus Williams has recently made her return to competitive tennis at the Australian Open. This marks a significant moment after a lengthy hiatus from singles competition.
Background on Venus Williams’ Hiatus
Williams, a seven-time major singles champion, last competed in September 2022. During that tournament, she faced the 11th seed, Karolina Muchova, in the first round, where she managed to take a set from her opponent. In doubles, she advanced to the quarterfinals alongside partner Leylah Fernandez in New York.
Preparation for the Australian Open
Before participating in warm-up events in Auckland and Hobart, Williams had not played competitively for several months. She did achieve one singles victory last July, defeating fellow American Peyton Stearns in Washington, DC. This was her only singles win in almost a year.
Training Regimen
During her time away from matches, Williams maintained a rigorous training schedule. She noted, “There were periods where I was super busy, so I’d have to take a week off here or three days off there.” Despite these challenges, she focused on getting back into the rhythm of competitive play.
Thoughts on Her Performance
As she prepared for her first-round match against Serbian lefty Olga Danilovic, Williams reflected on her progress. “At this point, I need to be kind to myself,” she said. “I’m getting so many things right.”
- Last singles match: September 2022
- Warm-up events: Auckland and Hobart
- Only singles win in almost a year: July 2023 against Peyton Stearns
Williams expressed confidence in her current playstyle, stating that she is effectively controlling points and positioning herself for wins. “I’m playing the tennis I need to play,” she concluded, highlighting her focus on performance as she returns to the court.
