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Wimbledon: All eyes are on Venus Williams (and the reason isn't Serena's absence)

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S Kannan
S KannanJul 09, 2017 | 14:05

Wimbledon: All eyes are on Venus Williams (and the reason isn't Serena's absence)

Romantic relics never get tired of coming to The Championships at Wimbledon. The average tennis fan swears this is like "Mecca" and a visit to this hallowed place is a must, at least, once in a lifetime.

For those who work with the tournament year after year, each edition is a new challenge. It's a challenge as to how even the best organised Grand Slam wants to innovate and get better and better.

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And then there are hardcore addicts for whom the sight of green grass and blue skies at this time of the year in the most posh suburb south west of London, works like magic on their souls. The last, but not the least, are the players who hate missing a trip to Wimbledon. White tennis apparel, best manners and loads of patience, the players don't mind it even if they have to adapt hard to what tennis is on grass.

As the 2017 edition reaches the halfway mark, the romance of Wimbledon is in full bloom. It's as if even the weather gods have decided not to play pranks with tennis this time as the schedules have not been disturbed. The seasoned performers, who simply love the ambience, are at it, again.

Even as pundits speculate who will win the men's singles title, there is an openness in the ladies' draw. Serena Williams is expecting a baby and is away from the action. Even in her absence, she continues to make news as a recent photograph of hers published in a magazine cover in the United States has caught everyone's attention!

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Elder sister Venus is here and also under scrutiny.

No, not because Serena is missing but Venus had been blamed for a car accident in Florida as a result of which she was forced to shed tears in a press conference last week. These days, when video surveillance helps in solving crime and also identifying with who the fault lies, Venus was a relieved person as she headed into the traditional middle Sunday, which is a break.

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Venus and Serena are part of Wimbledon folklore.

Apart from the fact that Venus is still in the draw and continues to play with the same passion, she was happy nobody can now blame her for causing an accident which resulted in the death of an elder citizen in her own city. The timing of this good news could not have been better for Venus.

At 37, she is into her 20th Wimbledon. The media has been grilling her on every matter and she has been answering it like a true professional.

Some of the questions were not even related to her, but sister Serena. The one relating to posing nude for a photo shoot was handled so well by Venus. The elder sibling said not many people knew how many beautiful sides there are to Serena. All of a sudden, the nudity debate seems to have shut.

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The focus is now again on Venus, purely on her pedigree as a player and how her longevity has surprised the tennis world. At an age (37), when most players turn coaches or commentators, Venus is chipping away. She has not been as forceful as before, where she would execute the serve-and-volley plan like a bulldozer at demolition work.

The younger lot of players who come thinking they can intimidate Venus go back with lessons learnt. For her part, Venus, who has won a record 98 matches in Wimbledon, continues in untiring manner.

Venus and Serena are part of Wimbledon folklore, so to say. The elder sister misses her little sis but keeps in touch regularly. On court, Venus misses Serena, her doubles partner. It seems just like yesterday these two sisters were going at each other like professional boxers trying to win a heavyweight at the Australian Open final in Melbourne.

All of a sudden, Venus does feel a bit lonely in the sprawling complex called the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. As one who has been competing here since the age of 17, Venus doesn't need to tell us she comes here each year, hoping to compete hard. As the winner of five ladies singles titles at Wimbledon, she is not the bookmakers favourite this time.

Venus does not mind it as the younger and fitter players are supposed to fancy their chances. One thing which is a big plus for Venus is her experience. Be it rain or sunshine, slippery conditions or a covered roof at centre court, Venus has adjusted to the changes at Wimbledon.

In an illustrious pro career which began in 1994, Venus seems to have outlived most other divas in women's tennis.

Or, is this just a short-lived time for the elder Williams' sister as Serena is already talking about how difficult it is for her to be away from the tennis courts?

(Courtesy: Mail Today.)

Last updated: July 09, 2017 | 14:05
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