The Current Status of a Tennis Legend

At age 44, Venus Williams faces a significant milestone in March 2025 as she will lose her WTA world ranking and be officially classified as an inactive player. This status change follows a full year without competitive play, marking the first time in her illustrious career that she's been absent from the tour for so long.

Recent Tournament Activity and Speculation

Despite her inactive status, there are strong indications Williams isn't ready to retire:

• Wildcard Offers: She received and declined invitations to both Indian Wells (citing "miscommunication") and the Miami Open
• Recent Practice: Notably practiced with Ons Jabeur during the Miami Open, demonstrating maintained skills
• Last Competitive Appearances:
  • Played only Indian Wells and Miami in 2024
  • Final Grand Slam appearance at 2023 US Open
  • Last victory came against Veronika Kudermetova in Cincinnati 2023

Historical Context for Veteran Champions

Williams' potential return at 45 wouldn't be unprecedented in tennis history:

• Martina Navratilova won a singles match at Wimbledon aged 47
• Other players have competed successfully into their late 40s in doubles

Williams holds special status at:

• Wimbledon (5-time singles champion)
• US Open (2-time singles winner)

Making wildcard requests at these tournaments would likely be honored based on her legendary status.

The Business of Venus: Beyond Tennis

Williams maintains a busy schedule off-court:

• Active participant in Paris Fashion Week (conflicting with Indian Wells)
• Runs successful interior design firm V Starr
• Continues to influence fashion trends in tennis

The Complicated Process of Tennis Retirement

Unlike her sister Serena's "evolution away from tennis," Venus has kept options open:

• Hasn't filed WTA retirement paperwork
• Remains eligible to return by paying $250 and completing annual forms
• No longer in drug testing pool (removed June 2024)

What the Future Holds

The tennis world remains intrigued by these possibilities:

• Potential Wimbledon or US Open wildcard requests
• Limited schedule focusing on select tournaments
• Possible exhibition matches or special appearances

As Williams approaches her 45th birthday (June 17, 2025), the sports world watches to see if she'll write another chapter in her remarkable career or transition fully to her business and fashion endeavors.