When Venus Williams arrived in Austin, it wasn’t just another tournament stop – it was personal. “This tournament is important,” she shared. “It’s always been on my radar.” With limited opportunities to compete in the United States, playing on home soil carries extra meaning. And in Austin, she’s embraced every moment.
After time away from competition, stepping back into match play brings both excitement and pressure. Reflecting on her matches – including her upcoming match versus Ajla Tomljanović and navigating new competitive situations – Venus admitted she’s had to adjust. “There’s pressure after not being on the court for a while. New situations. I want to be ready for that.” Even as a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, she described the experience in refreshingly humble terms: “I feel like a student again.”
There’s observation. There are unexpected challenges. There’s learning. And above all – there is work to be done. “Putting in the work is what makes you feel confident. Tons of practice. You need to be ready and prepare for whatever happens.” For Venus, confidence doesn’t come from reputation. It comes from preparation.
So how does a legend manage expectations – both internally and externally? Her approach is grounded and intentional: stay positive, focus on what you did right, treat each moment as an opportunity to do something great. That mindset has been fueling her one step at a time – staying present, asking what’s next and building forward.
Venus is also competing in doubles alongside Longhorn Peyton Stearns, grateful for the wildcard and excited for the partnership. “Peyton is young, she needs to do most of the work,” she joked. She’s also embracing match play wherever she can – mentioning that she’ll play doubles at Indian Wells with Leylah Fernandez and sharing that she’d love to team up with Coco Gauff again for more doubles in the future. “It’s great to get match play.”
At the player party, the atmosphere shifted from competition to celebration – with artist-led painting, cowboy hats, fun luggage tags, and plenty more to enjoy, as Venus even jumped in to help with the painting.
When asked about balancing life and tennis, Venus was direct. “Tennis is a priority. So everything else is not a priority.” There’s clarity in that. And joy, too. “It’s nice to have tennis back.”
At the player party, Venus and tournament director Christo Van Rensburg reminisced about their time playing mixed doubles together and the advantages of playing in front of a home court. “It’s nice to have people on my side,” Venus said. “It feels more exciting.” It’s her first time in Austin, and she’s soaking it all in – from the energy on court to the city’s food scene off it. In Austin, Venus Williams isn’t just competing. She’s rediscovering. Learning. Building. Having fun.
