Google News Venus Williams shares how 'little sister' Serena Williams 'mandated' her 2024 return
by DZEVAD MESIC
Venus Williams is targeting to play again around Indian Wells and Miami as she reveals that her "little sister" Serena Williams told her she was "not allowed to quit" pro tennis.
Venus Williams, who will be celebrating her 44th birthday in June, hasn't played since exiting the US Open in the first round. At the US Open, Williams was hampered by a knee issue and she decided at the time that taking an injury break to address the issue was the best solution.
While seven-time Grand Slam champion Williams is missing the start of the 2024 season, she hopes to be back in action in early March.
"One of my big goals is to play in the United States, to play in the Miami Open and the Indian Wells," Williams said in the latest video uploaded on her YouTube channel.
"I have not played there since 2019 due to injuries. It's a long time. These next tournaments will be in 2024, it's a lot of years not to play at home. So that's of course one of my big goals on the horizon, is to be there, prepare to do that. Amongst many goals on the court too,"
Venus Williams: Serena didn't allow me to quit
In 2023, Venus Williams sustained a hamstring injury in her first tournament of the season in Auckland. Later, Williams also battled leg and knee injuries.
After another injury-plagued season in 2023, some thought this might be it for former world No. 1 Williams. But Williams decided against going that route, instead her plan is to make a comeback this year.
"My little sister Serena told me I am not allowed to quit and of course I would never quit. But it's the mandate, she said no. So I will be back on the court," Williams revealed.
In Indian Wells - which is starting on March 6th - Williams will make her ninth appearance if she plays this year. After boycotting the tournament for 15 years, Williams returned to Indian Wells in 2016 and has since played four times at the tournament.
Meanwhile, if Williams plays at the Miami Open this year, it will be her 22nd appearance at the tournament. In Miami, Williams achieved great success early in her career, winning titles in 1998, 1999, and 2001. In 2010, Williams made her fourth Miami final - in which she lost to Kim Clijsters.