More than three decades after she burst onto the tennis scene, Venus Williams is still playing at the top level. Why are we seeing elite athletes carrying on into their 40s and beyond?
Venus Williams has consistently broken records and barriers across a 32-year tennis career decorated by five Olympic medals, seven Grand Slam singles titles and 14 doubles Grand Slams with her sister, Serena. This month, she'll add another record and break another barrier, becoming the oldest woman to play singles at the Australian Open.
At 45, Williams, handed a wildcard for the tournament, is 27 years older than the youngest player in the women's draw, fellow American Iva Jovic. By the time Jovic, 18, was born in 2007, Williams had already won four singles grand slams.
The older Williams sister
Continue Reading on Deutsche Welle
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.