AUCKLAND, Jan 4, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Seven-time major singles champion Venus Williams said Sunday she's still driven to play good tennis - and "it gives you great legs" - as she prepares for an Australian Open tilt at age 45. "I definitely don't wake up and come halfway across the world -- or more than halfway -- to not be feeling the fire. A five-time Wimbledon champion, Williams was an Australian Open singles finalist in 2003 and 2017 and won the doubles title four times alongside sister Serena. Williams' last tournament was the US Open in August, not long after returning from a 16-month break. She will play warmup events in Auckland next week and Hobart ahead of the January 18-February 1 Australian Open and hoped she can shake rust out of her system.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 04, 2026 06:26 UTC