Venus fires ahead of Wimbledon semi-final

NOT money, not records but the endless pursuit of perfection is driving Venus Williams to the brink of Wimbledon history.

Wealthy beyond imagination, the evergreen American already owns a slew of records – mostly age-related.

But the prime motivational force for the former world No.1 is the core business of constant improvement.

Tonight, Williams will chase a place in her ninth Wimbledon final and a 16th major decider. If successful against Johanna Konta, Williams will become the oldest player to reach the championship match since Martina Navratilova (37 years, 258 days) in 1994.

At 37 years and 29 days, five-time champion Williams is rapidly closing in on an eighth major – and her first since the most recent of her Wimbledon crowns in 2008.

Asked what spurs her, Williams said: “I love this game. That’s why I put in the effort and the time.

“It’s a beautiful game.

“It’s been so good to me. I love the challenge. I love pressure. It’s not always easy dealing with the pressure.

“There’s constant pressure. It’s only yourself who can have the answer for that.

“I love the last day you play, you’re still improving.

“It’s not something that is stagnant. There’s always a reason you have to get better. “I love that.” In her 20th appearance here, Williams is into the last four for the 10th time with an overall match tally at the All England Club of 86-14.