Venus Williams recently filmed a YouTube video, giving us an in-depth insight about her knee injury and breaking the news that she will play the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments in March 2024.
Venus Williams injury details
“I don’t talk a lot about my injuries because I hate complaining,” the seven-time Grand Slam champion Williams says at the beginning of the video, emphasizing how she’s used to playing through serious pain. Little did fans know the extent of the challenges she faced over the past months.
The 43-year-old sports legend vividly describes the moment she slipped during a volley early into her first-round match against Elina Svitolina at Wimbledon 2023, the pain searing through her leg as she crumpled to the ground. Gasping for breath and screaming to alleviate the pain, she knew something was seriously wrong. Despite the agony, she finished the match, but the aftermath was brutal – she couldn’t walk the next day.
Recovery was more difficult than expected
The doctor told her that she would be just fine in three weeks, but Venus faced a barrage of challenges as she tried to return to the tour. Her knee was inflamed as she battled through pain, swelling, and a general lack of preparation with weak legs and reduced flexibility. Despite the odds, she attempted to return to competitive play, but her knee had other plans, blowing up again after Cincinnati and leading to her withdrawal from Cleveland.
Then she took a cortisone shot for the first time ever in order to be able to play the US Open. It’s an extreme measure, not great for your body. While the injection did provide relief, the ticking clock left insufficient time for proper preparation for the prestigious tournament. This tumultuous period marked one of the most stressful chapters in Venus’s illustrious career. Stepping onto the court riddled with doubt, the weight of the moment became palpable, culminating in a 6-1 6-1 first-round loss to Greet Minnen at the 2023 US Open.
It was definitely time to take a break
Realizing the need to slow down, Williams took a step back from competitive play and ended her tennis season. She refrained from hitting the gym excessively, acknowledging the importance of proper rehabilitation. She just played some exhibition matches.
Comeback at Indian Wells and Miami 2024
Serena Williams partly plays a role in encouraging her sister to come back. “My little sister Serena told me I’m not allowed to quit, and of course, I would never quit,” Venus said with conviction in her video message.
As she focuses on rehabilitation, the tennis icon is back in the gym, working tirelessly to regain strength and flexibility. Her eyes are set on the BNP Paribas Open and the Miami Open, determined to make a triumphant return to the courts she loves. Williams notes that she has not played the Sunshine Swing since 2019 due to injuries, so she’s really looking forward to it.
The 2024 BNP Paribas Open starts on March 6 in Indian Wells, while the Miami Open commences on March 19.
