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Venus Williams, 44, reveals she will keep playing tennis to stop herself ageing as she speaks out on how rare autoimmune disease has taken its toll on her body

BBG News

As an ardent fan and admirer of tennis legends, I find myself utterly captivated by the indomitable spirit of Venus Williams. At 44 years old, she continues to defy the odds and grace the courts with her unparalleled skill, proving that age is but a number.

She’s a former number one in both singles and doubles, winning herself seven Grand Slam titles.

Now, Venus Williams has disclosed that she intends to continue playing tennis not just for aesthetics, but as a means of slowing down the aging process.

Sister of Serena Williams, Ms. Venus Williams, aged 44, has claimed five individual Grand Slam championships at Wimbledon throughout her professional journey, along with two victories at the US Open.

As the cover star for Harper’s Bazaar in October, she is renowned as one of the best players ever and shows no signs of reducing her pace.

As an over-the-moon fanatic, let me share that I’ve been on the edge of burnout, though just a week ago, I jokingly yearned for an eternal getaway! The truth is, I’ve been pushing myself quite relentlessly for several months with my packed schedule.

‘That was my decision. We don’t always have a choice, but periods of rest are so important.

‘At a public pool close to my home, surrounded by pine trees in Florida, I engage in swimming exercises, and also perform weight training.’

‘I’m still training, not every day like before but I’ll always need to be on court.

Playing tennis is an amazing method for maintaining fitness, reducing calorie count, and achieving toned legs and arms. If you’re aiming for a good appearance, give tennis a try. Though it may not appear strenuous, it can be quite tiring.

‘I will do that as long as I have cartilage.

‘If I keep playing, hopefully the ageing process won’t start.’

In 2011, it was disclosed by Ms. Williams that she had been dealing with Sjögren’s disease since withdrawing from the US Open earlier that year.

The condition causes antibodies to attack the body’s moisture-producing glands, leading to dryness on and inside the body.

Occasionally, issues linked with Sjogren’s syndrome may lead to salivary gland infections, kidney troubles, stomach ulcers, or inflammation of the pancreas.

In conversation about her condition, she shared with Harper’s Bazaar: “I experienced a variety of symptoms, yet it was particularly difficult being an athlete.

If you fall, it’s such a heavy impact that you can’t even rise again physically. However, I managed to stand up, as there was no other choice.

‘Lying in bed is not fun. There is no substitute for being well. I had to change my pace.

‘It took seven years before I was diagnosed.

It was a head-trip. I wasn’t reaching my full potential, and I didn’t know why.

‘Was I working too hard? What was I doing wrong?

‘That takes its toll and it’s not easy to walk out there when you don’t have much to give.’

The October issue of Harper’s Bazaar UK is on sale from 12 September 

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2024-09-10 02:35

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