Venus Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion and icon in tennis, might have to pay £195 to continue her professional tennis career.
She is considered one of the greatest players in the sport`s history.
However, Venus Williams has competed infrequently recently.
Now, the American tennis star is in danger of losing her professional license.
Williams, 44 years old, last participated in a competitive match as a wildcard entry at the Miami Open on March 18, 2024.
After declining a wildcard for this month`s prestigious Indian Wells tournament, often called the `fifth Grand Slam`, and reportedly also for the ongoing Miami Open, she is set to go a full year without participating in any competitions.
It is understood that Williams is currently fit and not injured. She has declined several opportunities to return to the court, including the Indian Wells offer, citing “prior commitments”.
She dedicates a significant amount of her time to managing her interior design firm, V Starr, rather than focusing on tennis.
As a result, she risks being designated as inactive by the WTA Tour by the end of March.
Williams, currently ranked world No. 1151, has not participated enough to be considered a full or even an associate member of the WTA Tour.
Consequently, to make a comeback to professional tennis, Williams will need to complete an annual player form and pay the administrative fee of £195 ($250).
Since June 2024, Williams is no longer required to provide daily updates on her whereabouts to tennis` anti-doping authorities.
Venus Williams turned professional in 1994, an impressive 31 years ago, and was diagnosed with Sjogren`s syndrome, an autoimmune condition, in 2011.
Despite not winning a tennis match since August 2023, Williams has remained determined not to retire.
She might seek a wildcard entry to Wimbledon in the summer, a tournament where she has already won five singles titles.
Venus has an impressive record of 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and three Olympic gold medals, all won in partnership with her sister, Serena Williams.
