Venus has her eyes set on 2020 Olympics

Venus Williams’ 6-foot-1 frame towered over the group of about 60 children that sat at her feet on Wednesday afternoon following a kid’s tennis clinic in Washington. Eyes wide and grins plastered across their faces, they were captured by tennis star’s presence.

She has been playing tennis for 34 years — 24 as a professional. Venus is constantly asked about her age and longevity. She is the oldest player ranked in the WTA top 100 — and, currently at No 14, is the highest-ranked player age 31 or older.

Why is she still playing? How long does she plan on playing? Are the Olympics something she thinks about?

Her answer to the first question is simple: “The winning never gets old in any form,” Venus said. “It’s just addictive.”

She doesn’t necessarily know the answer to the second question. But the answer to third is clear.

“It’s my goal to take up another Olympic spot,” Venus said. “And it’s not a given. I have had a lot of opportunities at the Olympics. No one gives you anything. You go and you take it. It’s such a beautiful experience. I hope, God willing, I will be there and it will be another climax in my career.”

Venus has two years to prepare for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Right now, her focus is on next month’s US Open. Her two games in Washington, on Wednesday and Thursday night gave her the opportunity to start preparing for the Open. “I’ve been on the court working on specific things so [playing] will [give me] a chance to implement that and see how it goes against worldclass players,” Venus said.