Venus Williams has 21 Grand Slam titles, four Olympics gold medals, and no children — and she’s perfectly happy with that.
The 41-year-old tennis superstar covers the October issue of Cosmopolitan, and tells the magazine that she feels content not settling down and having kids, even if her friends insist she’s going to miss her chance to do so.
‘I have a lot of friends who don’t believe me when I say that I like my life and I don’t want to change it for any reason. I’m not desperate and they don’t believe me,’ she said.
‘They say things like, “You’re going to miss your window.” I’m like, “Please, relax. You might feel this way, but I don’t. I promise you I don’t.”‘
Cover girl: Venus Williams covers the October issue of Cosmopolitan
‘I have a lot of friends who don’t believe me when I say that I like my life and I don’t want to change it for any reason. I’m not desperate and they don’t believe me,’ she said
‘They say things like, “You’re going to miss your window.” I’m like, “Please, relax. You might feel this way, but I don’t. I promise you I don’t,”‘ she said
Venus has had several long-term relationships over the years, her most recent being with wealthy financier Nicholas Hammond from 2018 to 2019. Nicholas was 12 years her junior.
Before that, she dated Cuban model Elio Pis from 2012 to 2017 — he was eight years younger — and golfer Hank Kuehne from 2007 to 2010.
But while her younger sister Serena, 39, has settled down with Reddit’s Alexis Ohanian and welcomed daughter Olympia, Venus is happy with her life as it is.
On Instagram earlier this year, she told fans: ‘Lots of people asking me to go on a date I’m just not, I would say, I’m undatable. That’s okay, I’m happy.
‘I get a lot of questions asking if I am married, am I getting married, or if I will marry you. The answer is NO to all of them.’
In 2020, she said on the app that she has ‘no boyfriend’ and is ‘not quite looking for one either.’
As you grow up and mature, you realize you don’t have to be in any situation you find disrespectful,’ she said. ‘You can let people know what you find disrespectful’
‘I admire everyone who stands up for what is right, which isn’t easy,’ she said
Top athlete: Venus has 21 Grand Slam titles, four Olympics gold medals
Speaking to Cosmo, Venus also spoke about coping with the pressure of being a top athlete in the public eye — and how she’s found her way more and more as she’s gotten older.
‘As you grow up and mature, you realize you don’t have to be in any situation you find disrespectful,’ she said. ‘You can let people know what you find disrespectful.
‘It doesn’t have to be yelling or screaming. I’m not a combative person. I’m never going to let any situation change that, because I want to look back and know that I stayed true to who I am. So come. Come for me if you want to, but you won’t come again.’
She also shared praise for other athletes who are speaking out, setting boundaries, advocating for themselves — like fellow tennis player Naomi Osaka.
‘I admire everyone who stands up for what is right, which isn’t easy,’ she said.
‘It takes strength, courage, and vulnerability. I love to see this next generation of players be willing and open to do that regardless of the cost to them.’
A break: Venus and Serena both pulled out of the US Open this month due to injuries, with Serena suffering from a torn hamstring and Venus pointing to a leg injury
Auntie: Her younger sister Serena, 39, has settled down with Reddit’s Alexis Ohanian and welcomed daughter Olympia, Venus is happy with her life as it is
Little one on the court: Serena is pictured with Olympia at the Auckland Classic in 2020
Venus and Serena both pulled out of the US Open this month due to injuries, with Serena suffering from a torn hamstring and Venus pointing to a leg injury.
This is the first time since 2003 that neither star has competed in the US Open.
Meanwhile, both are portrayed in the upcoming film King Richard, which premiered at the Telluride Film Festival on September 2.
It tells the story of how their father, Richard Williams, helped them become the iconic tennis stars they are today.
Will Smith will play their father, while Saniyya Sidney plays Venus and Demi Singleton plays Serena.