Venus Williams - French Open Women's Tennis Players
Venus Williams has breathed new life into her ailing professional tennis career by winning both the singles and doubles of the 2008 Wimbledon Championships and the coveted Olympic gold medal in the women's doubles at the Beijing with sister, Serena.
Number 3 in the World
All those who thought Venus would quietly disappear into obscurity had better think again, the seven time singles grand slam winner is clearly fighting her way back into the top five of the WTA rankings. The former world number one, who was arguably in her best fighting form in 2002, she reached number 7 in 2007 and soared all the way to number 3 on the rankings, just under Serena Williams.
Venus and Serena were the undisputed queens of the tennis courts until their older sister, Yetunde, was murdered in a drive by shooting in 2003. This obviously had a major impact on the two stars, and both their games suffered immeasurable damage. It was only in 2007 the girls managed to lift themselves and compete again at the very highest level.
Making History at Wimbledon
Venus not only defended her crown at Wimbledon, she did it with absolute dominance and in emphatic style. The woman, who is edging closer to thirty years old, set a brand new record at the All England Club by sending down the fastest serve in Wimbledon History - a blistering 129 mph - a speed she has managed only once before and that was in the 2007 US Open!
Although Venus has never won the French Open singles title, she did reach the finals in 2002, falling prey to little sister, Serena. She has claimed the doubles crown in Paris, though, and that was in 1999, again with sister Serena and this time their hapless opponents were the very accomplished Martina Hingis and Russian glamour girl, Anna Kournikova.
Venus' on-court Attributes
Williams is an aggressive baseliner and has a forehand volley that can test even the greats of the game. Her most formidable weapons, though, are undoubtedly her powerful serve, her unbeatable double-handed backhand, her speed at the net and her excellent court coverage!
All these qualities make her a fantastic grass court player and her career win/loss record on grass is a very impressive 62–9 with 5 titles in the bag. What is interesting, though, is she has claimed more titles on clay, seven in total and her career win/loss on clay is a 'not too shabby' 118–31.
Venus continues to inspire with her will to win and her wonderful stroke play and it would be a tad premature to write the veteran, who turned pro way back in 1994, right out of the game!