London: Five-time champion Venus Williams is drawing on the emotional support of her absent sister Serena at Wimbledon as the 37-year-old American remains on course to seize one of her sibling’s records should she go on to claim an eighth Grand Slam title.
Venus won a cross-generation battle when she beat 20-year-old French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 7-5 Tuesday to reach her 10th semifinal in 20 attempts at the All England Club and next faces home favourite Johanna Konta.
The American stands two victories away from a remarkable triumph and a win in Saturday’s final would allow her to replace Serena, who is taking a break from tennis to give birth to her first child, as the oldest women’s Grand Slam winner. When Serena won the women’s single title last year she was 35-plus
“They’re definitely here with me, for sure,” Venus told reporters Tuesday. “Even if it’s not physically. That is one thing I do know, they’re fighting right alongside me.”
In a professional career lasting more than two decades, Venus is closing in on a 50th WTA title and credits her longevity to her love of the game and a desire to constantly improve.
“I love it (tennis),” Venus asserted. “I try really hard. There’s no other explanation. You do your best while you can. That’s what I’m doing. I love the challenge. I love pressure. It’s not always easy dealing with the pressure, constant pressure. It’s only yourself who can have the answer for that,” added the American.
She was quick to point out that she doesn’t want to stagnate at all and will seek growth till the last day of her tennis career. “I love the fact that even the last day I play, I’ll still be improving. It’s not something that is stagnant. The competition keeps you growing. You have to get better if you want to stay relevant,” Venus pointed out.
The veteran last triumphed at Wimbledon in 2008, which remains her seventh and final Grand Slam singles title. She knows that next up is Konta – a formidable opponent with huge home support. But then she remains unperturbed.
“At this stage of the tourney, nothing comes easy,” she candidly stated. “I’ve reached this far because I have tried hard, played hard. Yes, Konta is a good player, but then so also am I,” Venus signed off.
