Venus Williams loses at the US Open, but the story is of one of effort and wanting to conquer pain

At 45, if someone still wants to play professional tennis, there has to be a streak of madness, No, not for Venus Williams, whose attempt at turning the clock back at the US Open in New York was adrenaline-felted but ended in defeat. Losing in three sets to Czech Karolina Muchova in the first round was no disgrace. In fact, it brought to the fore, fire and feel from Venus, a former champion who won seven Grand Slam singles titles.

As the elder sister of more famous Serena, “Venus in Orbit’ used to be the headline in newspapers, when the American ruled Wimbledon. There were murmurs, that when these two sisters played each other around 25 years ago, match results were ‘decided’ in the locker room, where Dad Richard Williams, her first coach, also had a role to play.

Ahh, that was a glorious past, when people delved into the hard lives of the Williams sisters. They had, after all, risen from the tough life of ghettos in Compton, USA, and played on public courts. Once the sisters made it big in tennis, in terms of results and riches, they could afford everything. Damn, having started tennis at a young age, Venus is actually into her fourth decade as a player, though not professionally. She turned pro 31 years back, which is also like ages back.

So, what is it that keeps Venus going, after being away from the tennis competitive structure which encompasses travel as well as pain. Life as a tennis professional, despite the glitz and glamour, is not easy. Living out of suitcases, excess travel, a few bad weeks meaning more trauma, Venus has seen it all. Back to the 2024-2025 seasons as well, Venus had been a no-show for over a year at most events. It is just recently she has decided to train and compete.

Yes, New York did accord her a special status once again, for the speculation is this is her last voyage. She had made her presence at the same venue first in 1997. Half the tennis folks from that time have become moms or turned commentators. Some have even vanished from the tennis scenario totally, like Steffi Graf. Nah, Venus wanted to prove a few things to herself. No, it had nothing to do with wanting to again win a Major. She knows, in front of the younger, fitter and more athletic players, it’s very hard.

But then, if marks are given just for effort and wanting to try something very hard, salute the spirit of Venus Williams. She has been battling an auto-immune disease called “Sjogrens’ Syndrome since 2011, which leaves her struggling to be even remotely healthy. Even during her most active days as a tennis professional, Venus was into doing different stuff like fashion, beads in her hair and so on.

Now, as a big entrepreneur in the United States of America, Venus is still remembered for the battles she waged for fellow players. It included a major one for pay parity and taking up causes. After the pause, the current cause is her own self, which is why she decided to train and come to New York.

"Getting back on the court was about giving myself a chance to play more healthy," Venus Williams said in an emotional post-match news conference. "When you play unhealthy, it's in your mind. It's not just how you feel. You get stuck in your mind too. So it was nice to be free,” she added. Venus also did reflect on her past, when she played in pain. Is this her last appearance, there is still no clarity. This time, she showed up, just for herself. Clap, cheer the legend for reviving old memories when she overed the tennis court with a gazelle-like grace