Back, Once Again, For More

VENUS WILLIAMS’ enduring quest for success, and her ability to see past failure, will keep her a contender at 37 and beyond

- Tom Perrotta

At the US Open last year, Venus Williams—37 years old, still strong and fast—reached the semifinals. Better still: all she had to do was beat an unseeded Sloane Stephens, and then defeat another young American, to capture her first major title since 2008 at Wimbledon.

When she won the second set against Stephens, 6–0, she seemed to be on her way. And then, suddenly, Williams stalled. Her fans had seen it before, but this loss looked like it hurt the most.

For fans of Williams, the loss must have been devastating. It’s not often a player gets such a good chance to win a Slam at any age, never mind 37. Most of her fans must have begun to think that it’s just not to be. She’s too old, and not consistent enough. That chance, the thinking goes, was the best she’ll get.

But here’s the reality about Williams: She’s incredibly determined and completely unpredictable. She doesn’t quit, and there’s just as much chance that she’ll play as well, or even a bit better, in 2018. With her size, quickness and strength, there are still a lot of chances to win big. She’s not about to give up—or think about what time she has left.