In late March, Venus Williams will officially lose her world ranking as her page on the WTA Tour website transitions from vibrant purple to muted gray. Having gone an entire year without competing, the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion is now classified as an inactive player. However, this status might not endure indefinitely. Despite declining wildcard entries for Indian Wells and Miami Open, whispers persist that the American legend may not be ready to fully step away from professional tennis. At 44, Williams continues to intrigue fans and analysts alike with her potential return to the sport she has dominated for decades.
Though she declined opportunities to compete in Indian Wells and the Miami Open, Venus Williams engaged in a practice session at the latter tournament alongside Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur. Her last competitive appearance was at the 2023 US Open, with her most recent victory occurring against Veronika Kudermetova in Cincinnati. A full schedule has eluded her since 2019, yet her achievements that year, while battling Sjogren’s syndrome—an autoimmune condition causing fatigue and joint pain—were nothing short of remarkable. Age appears no barrier, given Martina Navratilova's triumph at Wimbledon aged 47. Should Williams seek wildcards for prestigious events like Wimbledon or the US Open, acceptance seems almost guaranteed.
Beyond tennis, fashion remains integral to Williams' lifestyle, evident by her presence at Paris Fashion Week recently—a factor contributing to her absence in Indian Wells. As proprietor of interior design company V Starr, she balances multiple ventures despite over three decades since her professional debut. Speculation abounds regarding whether she will attempt one final foray into professional tennis. Ranked number 1,151 currently, Williams could theoretically remain active indefinitely, much like former champions who have similarly lingered without formal retirement announcements.
Unlike her sister Serena, whose name graces the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s retired players list, Venus has yet to complete such formalities. To re-enter competition, she must submit annual player forms and cover nominal administrative fees amidst her vast earnings. With her management team silent on future plans, anticipation lingers among fans and peers alike. Though tributes marking her retirement have been penned long ago, updates may still prove necessary should she decide to grace courts once more.
As the tennis community awaits further developments, the enigmatic allure surrounding Venus Williams persists. Whether she chooses to embrace another chapter in her illustrious career or step aside permanently remains uncertain. Regardless, her legacy endures, inspiring generations through resilience and unmatched skill.