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Venus Williams wishes sister Serena would come out of retirement to join her in competition | CNN

Venus Williams Expresses Heartfelt Wish for Sister Serena to Emerge from Retirement

In a candid and emotional interview, tennis icon Venus Williams has publicly voiced her deep desire for her younger sister, Serena Williams, to make a stunning comeback to professional tennis. The elder Williams sister, still actively competing at the age of 45, shared her thoughts during a recent press conference ahead of a major tournament, highlighting the unbreakable bond between the two siblings who have revolutionized the sport over the past two decades.

Venus, known for her powerful serve and graceful presence on the court, didn't hold back when asked about Serena's retirement, which the latter announced in 2022 after an illustrious career that spanned more than 20 years. "I wish she would come back," Venus said with a mix of nostalgia and hope. "The game isn't the same without her. We've shared so many moments, and I know she still has that fire inside. Tennis needs Serena, and honestly, I need her out there too." These words resonate deeply with fans and fellow players alike, stirring speculation about whether one of the greatest athletes of all time might indeed lace up her sneakers once more.

To understand the weight of Venus's plea, it's essential to revisit the extraordinary journey of the Williams sisters. Born in Compton, California, Venus and Serena were coached from a young age by their father, Richard Williams, whose unconventional methods and unyielding belief in his daughters propelled them to stardom. Venus burst onto the scene first, winning her maiden Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2000. Serena followed suit, claiming her first major at the 1999 US Open. Together, they dominated women's tennis, amassing a combined 30 Grand Slam singles titles—Venus with seven and Serena with an astonishing 23.

Their rivalry was legendary, yet it was underpinned by profound sisterly love. The sisters faced off 31 times in professional matches, with Serena holding a 19-12 edge. Memorable encounters include the 2002 French Open final, where Serena triumphed, and the 2008 Wimbledon final, won by Venus. Beyond singles, their doubles partnership was equally formidable, securing 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and three Olympic gold medals. These achievements not only shattered records but also broke barriers for Black athletes in a sport historically dominated by white players.

Serena's retirement came after the 2022 US Open, where she reached the third round before bowing out. In a poignant essay for Vogue magazine, she described her decision as an "evolution" rather than a retirement, emphasizing her desire to focus on family, business ventures, and philanthropy. Since then, Serena has embraced motherhood—she has two daughters, Olympia and Adira—with husband Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit. She's also expanded her empire through investments in fashion, wellness, and tech, including her S by Serena clothing line and stakes in various startups. Despite stepping away from competitive play, Serena has remained a visible figure in tennis, attending events like the Met Gala and even making cameo appearances at tournaments to support emerging talents.

Venus's wish for Serena's return isn't just sentimental; it taps into a broader conversation about the state of women's tennis post-Serena. The sport has seen a surge in young stars like Coco Gauff, Iga Świątek, and Aryna Sabalenka, who have credited the Williams sisters for inspiring their paths. However, many argue that Serena's absence leaves a void in terms of star power and global appeal. "Serena wasn't just a player; she was a phenomenon," said tennis analyst and former player Chris Evert in a recent commentary. "Her comebacks, her fashion, her advocacy for equality—these elements elevated tennis to new heights. If she returned, even for a farewell tour, it would be electric."

Fans have echoed this sentiment on social media, with hashtags like #SerenaComeback trending after Venus's comments. One Twitter user wrote, "Venus speaking for all of us! Serena, the queen, please grace us one more time." Another fan shared a montage of the sisters' greatest moments, captioning it, "Tennis royalty. Make it happen!" The outpouring reflects how the Williams duo transcended sports, becoming cultural icons who championed issues like gender pay equity, racial justice, and maternal health. Serena's outspokenness, particularly during her pregnancy and postpartum experiences, has influenced policies in sports and beyond.

Venus herself continues to defy age expectations. At 45, she's one of the oldest players on the WTA Tour, having battled health issues like Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that causes fatigue and joint pain. Despite these challenges, Venus has shown remarkable resilience, competing in select events and even reaching the quarterfinals of a recent tournament. Her longevity serves as a testament to the Williams family's grit. "I've learned so much from Serena," Venus reflected. "She's taught me about perseverance, about pushing boundaries. If she came back, we'd push each other again, just like old times."

Speculation about Serena's potential return isn't new. In interviews since her retirement, she's left the door slightly ajar, saying things like, "Never say never," and admitting she misses the competition. Rumors have swirled around possible exhibition matches or a one-off appearance at a Grand Slam. Tennis legends like Billie Jean King have weighed in, suggesting that a comeback could inspire a new generation. "Serena has nothing left to prove," King said, "but if she wants to play, the world would welcome her with open arms."

The sisters' bond extends far beyond the court. They've supported each other through triumphs and trials, from Venus's health struggles to Serena's life-threatening complications during childbirth. Their story was immortalized in the 2021 film "King Richard," which chronicled their father's role in their rise. Venus's recent comments underscore this unbreakable connection, painting a picture of two women who, despite their individual paths, remain intertwined in legacy and love.

What would a Serena comeback look like? Experts speculate it could mirror other athletes' returns, like Tom Brady's brief un-retirement in football or Michael Jordan's NBA comebacks. Perhaps a focused run at Wimbledon, where she's won seven titles, or a doubles partnership with Venus at the Olympics. The physical demands would be immense—Serena turns 44 in September 2025—but her history of defying odds suggests it's not impossible. She's maintained her fitness through rigorous training and has been spotted hitting balls recreationally.

Venus's plea also highlights the evolving landscape of athlete retirements. In an era where stars like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have stepped away, only to see peers like Novak Djokovic continue dominating into their late 30s, the notion of "retirement" is fluid. For Serena, who revolutionized tennis fashion with bold outfits and advocated for body positivity, a return could further cement her influence.

As the tennis world buzzes with anticipation, Venus's words serve as a reminder of the sisters' enduring impact. Whether Serena heeds the call remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Williams legacy is far from over. Their story continues to inspire, challenge, and captivate, proving that in tennis and in life, the greatest comebacks are often the ones we least expect.

The interview with Venus has sparked renewed interest in the sisters' joint ventures, including their shared philanthropy through the Williams Sisters Fund, which supports education and health initiatives in underserved communities. Venus elaborated on how Serena's business acumen has influenced her own post-tennis plans, hinting at collaborative projects in the works. "We're always scheming something," she said with a laugh.

In reflecting on their shared history, Venus recounted pivotal moments, like their first joint Grand Slam win in doubles at the 1999 French Open, and the emotional 2017 Australian Open final, where a pregnant Serena defeated Venus for her 23rd major. These anecdotes humanize the superstars, showing the personal sacrifices behind the glory.

Critics might argue that Serena has earned her rest, but Venus's wish taps into a universal longing for heroes to return. As one commentator put it, "In a world craving inspiration, Serena's comeback would be more than a sports story—it would be a cultural event."

Ultimately, Venus's heartfelt expression isn't just about tennis; it's about family, legacy, and the thrill of possibility. As fans hold their breath, the question lingers: Will Serena answer the call? Only time will tell, but if she does, the courts will never be the same.

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[ https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/21/sport/venus-williams-wishes-serena-come-out-of-retirement-spt ]