EVERGREEN VENUS CLOSING IN ON HISTORIC WIN
VENUS Williams struggles to explain her extraordinary longevity as she closes in on an eighth grand slam women’s singles crown at 37.
Williams thrilled fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium with a dazzling comeback to advance to her 39th major quarterfinal with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 fourth-round US Open win over Carla Suarez Navarro.
Sixteen years after winning her second title in New York, Williams was unstoppable in the third set as she booked a date with Czech Petra Kvitova.
Kvitova – still recovering from her burglary stabbing in her Czech home last December – eliminated tournament favourite Garbine Muguruza 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 but Williams says she’s only focused on herself.
“No one ever gives you a slam. You’ve got to take it. So I know that and so I’m going to try to take it,” the American said.
In a stunning renaissance, Williams has already reached the Australian Open and Wimbledon title matches in 2017 and admits she’s even surprising herself with her level at a time most stars are long retired.
“I don’t know. If I could do it, I’d put it in a box and maybe I’d sell it,” the veteran said of the secret to her longevity.
“But I love the game and you’ve got to have health, you’ve got to have fitness, you’ve got to have skill, desire, the love. All that stuff.”
The former world No.1 is embracing the challenge of ending her nine-year grand slam title drought in what would be the longest wait between drinks at tennis’ highest level.