AUCKLAND (MNN); Seven-time major singles champion Venus Williams said Sunday she remains motivated to play quality tennis and joked that âit gives you great legsâ as she prepares for the Australian Open at age 45.
Williams, who accepted a wildcard entry, will become the oldest woman to compete in the main draw of the season-opening Grand Slam, five years after her last appearance in Melbourne. The American admitted she was unaware of the record she is about to set and said she no longer has the same intensity for achieving milestones as she did in her prime.
âI think one of my goals is to be joyful and just embrace being uncomfortable because thatâs what champions can do,â she said. âI definitely donât wake up and come halfway across the world â or more than halfway â to not be feeling the fire. And, well, tennis burns a lot of calories. It gives you great legs. I figure if I want to stay fit, Iâve got to keep playing.â
A five-time Wimbledon champion, Williams was an Australian Open singles finalist in 2003 and 2017, and has won the doubles title four times with sister Serena. She last competed at the US Open in August, shortly after returning from a 16-month hiatus.
Williams will play warm-up events in Auckland next week and Hobart before the January 18âFebruary 1 Australian Open, hoping to shake off rust. âItâs interesting because I have so much experience, but Iâve probably played the least amount as any other player in this draw,â she said. âSo I have a lot to pull out, but I also have to come out of the gates playing quickly. The good news is that tennis matches are long, and you have a chance to figure things out.â
Her first opponent in Auckland on Monday will be Polish fifth seed and world No. 54 Magda Linette.
