Venus Williams is one of the most iconic and impressive champions that women’s tennis has ever had.
And, it’s a testament to her legacy that she remains present on the WTA Tour today, even if it is in a heavily reduced capacity.
After all, at 45 years old, the fact that she can even compete with the current crop of talent speaks volumes for her timeless quality. Her ball striking is as crisp as ever.
Naturally, Venus Williams is far from competitive at the apex of the women’s game, with players like Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek now the new dominant players leading a chasing pack laden with quality.
How do you feel about more women’s matches being put on the night session now?
However, she is still more than qualified to discuss what it takes to reach and stay at such a level, as she did whilst speaking with TNT Sports yesterday.
Venus Williams has kind words for Aryna Sabalenka
Making a special guest appearance in Paris on their panel, she spoke about everything during her brief time on air.
And, whilst many will have tuned in to hear what Venus had to say about Serena Williams’ comeback, it was also intriguing to see what she had to say about Sabalenka and her chance of winning this year’s Roland Garros.
Discussing the world’s best player, she claimed: “I’m impressed how, you know, it’s not easy to stay on top in this day and age and women’s tennis, everyone’s playing well, but I think the key is that she’s having fun.
“I think she’s enjoying the tennis, I think she’s enjoying the challenge. I think she likes being the number one, she likes being up there, and her game has risen to that occasion, so she feels like she can make any shot at any time.
“So, yeah, that’s fun when the ball goes in. She knows how to put the ball in and put it in really hard. So it’s fun to see. She’s having a good time on and off the court, and I think that’s a big part of her success.”
Then, asked who she thinks will meet in the final, Venus added: “I’d like to see a young gun come through, so Andreeva would be really fun for her first final. Win, lose or draw, it’s a big win for her to get there.
“And then to see Sabalenka play against [Andreeva] there would be fun, so… That would be fun. I’m gonna pick that, but who knows? “
How does Venus Williams’ singles career compare to Aryna Sabalenka’s?
Whilst Venus’ sister, Serena, is incomparable with most other tennis players, it’s interesting to see exactly how the current-day world number one compares with the older of these two Williams sisters.
After all, Sabalenka is just three Grand Slam titles short of Venus’ tally of seven.
However, unsurprisingly, it’s the American who boasts far more WTA titles across her entire career, especially when only counting singles triumphs.
It’s the end of the 2026 season… How many matches has Venus Williams won this year? Where is she ranked? Let us know in the comments👇
She has won 49 to Sabalenka’s 24, although it’s interesting to note that the Belarusian actually claimed more WTA 1000 titles than Venus.
Sabalenka is still missing the WTA Finals and Olympic gold from her résumé, as well as Roland Garros and Wimbledon titles.
Venus, meanwhile, never won the Australian Open or Roland Garros.