Venus Williams hints that retirement may be imminent

7-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams has raised speculation that her tennis career might be coming to an end, after posting a message on social media reflecting on her years in the sport.

In an Instagram post to mark the 28th anniversary of her professional tennis debut, Williams shared two photos of herself as a 14-year-old at the 1994 Bank of the West Classic, the site of her debut WTA match, alongside a message to her fans.

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"On this day 28 years ago I made my debut to professional tennis. I never imagined 28 years later what [ Serena Williams] and I would experience in this sport. I can recount the wins and the losses, but in the end it was always about the pursuit of my best self. Every day, win lose or draw. I can look back with no regrets. It's all been worth it."  

Venus Williams has had one of the most illustrious tennis careers in modern times, winning seven Grand Slam singles titles, sixteen Grand Slam doubles titles, and five Olympic medals.

Her recent post comes just over two months after her younger sister, Serena, announced her retirement ahead of the North American hard-court swing this summer. However, Venus was conspicuously quiet on her own plans during this time.

Williams last played at the US Open in September, losing in the first round in both singles and alongside sister Serena in the first round of the doubles.

At 42 years of age, tennis fans knew the day the great Venus Williams hung up her racquet wasn't far off. But, while there is still no definitive announcement one way or the other from the former World No. 1, the day it finally comes will still be a momentous day for the tennis world.  

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