Venus Williams has made a sad admission about her own career, in the wake of little sister Serena’s tearful farewell from the sport.
Serena choked back tears in an emotional tribute to her big sister after a third-round US Open loss to Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic, in what’s largely expected to be the final match of her grand slam career.
The two sisters also made history in New York after teaming up to join Linda Noskova and Lucie Hradecka as the first women’s doubles players in US Open history to feature on centre court in a night session.
In what was almost certainly the last time the Williams sister grace a court together, US Open officials gave the American greats top billing by scheduling them on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Unfortunately for the sisters, it was no fairytale farewell as they lost 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 to the Czech pair
Speaking in the wake of those emotional scenes at Flushing Meadows, Venus has since admitted that it is probably the last doubles match of her storied career.
“I think I’m retired from doubles now,” Venus told fans.
Venus posted a series of stories on Instagram to open up on her personal life and shed light on her future plans with fans during an interactive social media session.
The 42-year-old admitted that she was devastated to see her sister’s career come to an end but said she hoped to keep Serena as a hitting partner in the future.
“Unimaginable at first. But I have had time to prepare myself. I’m sure she will still hit with me,” she wrote.
Venus stressed that while she has all but ruled out doubles for the future, she still has plans to compete in singles events on the WTA Tour.
However, the seven-time major winner says the immediate priority is to take a break from the sport and spend time with family and friends for the rest of the year.
“No plans for this year. But watch out for next year,” she wrote.
“Work on my game. Spend time with the family. Time with my teams. And time at home. It’s been a while,” Venus added.
