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Seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams has not played a competitive tennis match since playing in a WTA event in Chicago in August 2021.
The American, who made her WTA tour debut way back in 1994, was sidelined for the remainder of the 2021 season due to recurrent injuries and has yet to play a match in the new year.
Williams has finally put a timeline on her comeback to the tour, with the 41-year-old hinting at an imminent return in her latest social media interaction.
Participating in a Q&A live session with her fans on Instagram, Williams announced that she has been working to get back to full fitness. And while she did not put a date on her return, the former World No. 1 expressed excitment at the prospect of playing tennis again soon.
"I'm doing great. What about you? just fine? Oh yeah, I'm glad I asked," Williams said. "More than anything, I am, guess what gearing to get back on tour. Can't wait."
Responding to a question asked by a fan about the role her father Richard Williams played in her career, Williams said having the support of her family made a world of difference for her.
The American said her father also taught her the importance of having self-confidence.
"Of course, it feels great when someone has confidence in you and but dad always had confidence in us, but also he taught us be confident in ourself, most importantly, so you can be ready for this world of haters." Williams said.
"Everyday is a new opportunity to better yourself" - Venus Williams
In a separate social media post, Venus Williams also shared her essential 'mantra' for leading a happy life. The 41-year-old said she viewed every new day as an opportunity to better herself, adding that she hoped to look back on her life with no regrets.
"Everyday is a new opportunity to better yourself," Williams wrote. "I feel that if I live life this way, I will be able to look back at life with no regrets."
Williams's prolonged absence from the tour has taken a toll on her world ranking. She is currently languising at a lowly No. 467.
Venus Williams and Father Richard recall one match that 7-time Grand Slam champion "should have won"
