What Happened to Venus Ebony Starr Williams?
Venus Williams, one of tennis's most iconic figures, continues her professional career into 2026, actively competing in WTA tournaments despite a challenging period of results. The 45-year-old has been a recipient of numerous wildcards, sparking debate within the tennis community, while also openly discussing her long battle with uterine fibroids and recent personal milestones like her engagement and marriage.
Quick Answer
As of March 2026, Venus Williams remains an active professional tennis player, competing in WTA events through wildcard entries. She has faced a difficult stretch, losing her last eight matches since July 2025, leading to a public debate among tennis personalities regarding her continued receipt of wildcards. Off-court, Williams has been candid about her health struggles with uterine fibroids and recently celebrated her engagement and marriage in early 2025 and 2026, respectively.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Achieves World No. 1 Singles Ranking
Venus Williams reaches the World No. 1 ranking in singles for the first time, becoming the first African American woman in the Open Era to do so. (Source: WTA Official)
Diagnosed with Sjögren's Syndrome
Williams announces her diagnosis with Sjögren's Syndrome, an autoimmune disease, which significantly impacts her energy levels and performance, leading to withdrawals from tournaments. (Source: Various Sports News)
Fibroids Pain Intensifies at Wimbledon
During Wimbledon, Venus experiences unbearable pain from uterine fibroids, collapsing in the locker room, which prompts her sister Serena to call for medical intervention.
Undergoes Myomectomy for Fibroids
After years of battling painful symptoms and dismissed concerns, Williams undergoes a myomectomy to remove uterine fibroids, a procedure that significantly improves her health.
Gets Engaged to Andrea Preti
Venus Williams gets engaged to Andrea Preti, though the announcement is made public later in December 2025.
Returns to WTA Tour and Wins Match
After a 14-month absence, Williams makes a surprise return at the Washington Open, winning her first-round match against Peyton Stearns, becoming the oldest woman to win a WTA singles match since 2004.
Competes at 2025 US Open
Venus Williams returns to the US Open for her 25th main draw appearance, competing as a wildcard after her return to the tour in July.
Engagement to Andrea Preti Publicly Announced
The news of Venus Williams' engagement to Andrea Preti, which occurred earlier in the year, is publicly announced.
Plays at Australian Open 2026
Williams receives a wildcard and competes in the Australian Open, where she loses in the first round to Olga Danilovic.
Commits to 2026 ATX Open
Venus Williams announces her commitment to play in the 2026 ATX Open in Austin, Texas, accepting a wildcard spot for the singles draw.
Receives Wildcard for Indian Wells 2026
Williams is granted a wildcard entry into the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, where she exits in the first round, extending her losing streak.
Receives Wildcard for Miami Open 2026
Williams is announced as a wildcard recipient for the Miami Open, a tournament she has won multiple times in the past.
Faces Francesca Jones at Miami Open
As of today, Venus Williams is scheduled to play against Britain's Francesca Jones in the Round of 128 at the Miami Open, amidst ongoing debate about her wildcard entries and an eight-match losing streak.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Venus Williams, a trailblazer in women's tennis, has maintained an extraordinary career spanning over three decades, marked by seven Grand Slam singles titles and four Olympic gold medals. Her journey, however, has been punctuated by significant health challenges, most notably her long-standing battle with uterine fibroids. Williams revealed that this condition severely impacted her health and on-court performance for years, often leading to extreme pain, heavy bleeding, and persistent anemia, with her symptoms frequently dismissed by doctors. It wasn't until she sought specialized care and underwent a myomectomy in 2024 that she found relief, a turning point that allowed her to return to competitive play with a renewed sense of health.
Her return to the WTA Tour in July 2025, after a 14-month absence, was met with enthusiasm, highlighted by a victory over Peyton Stearns at the Washington Open, making her the oldest woman to win a WTA singles match since 2004. This comeback, however, also brought to light a candid remark about needing health insurance, underscoring the financial realities even for highly successful athletes. Throughout late 2025 and into 2026, Williams has continued to accept wildcard entries into major tournaments, including the US Open 2025, Australian Open 2026, Indian Wells 2026, and Miami Open 2026.
This prolonged presence, despite a challenging run of results—including eight consecutive losses since July 2025 and a 0-5 record in 2026 as of March 18—has ignited a significant debate within the tennis world. Former world No. 1 Yevgeny Kafelnikov, among others, has publicly questioned the allocation of wildcards to Williams, suggesting they could be more productively used for younger, rising talents. Critics argue that while her legacy is undeniable, competitive spots should be based on current merit rather than past achievements or ceremonial gestures. Conversely, many in the tennis community and tournament organizers continue to support her inclusion, recognizing her immense fan appeal and the inspiration she provides.
As of March 19, 2026, Venus Williams is ranked World No. 145 and is scheduled to play Francesca Jones in the first round of the Miami Open. Her commitment to the 2026 ATX Open further indicates her intention to continue competing. Beyond the court, Williams has also embraced personal milestones, announcing her engagement to Andrea Preti in December 2025, with the engagement having taken place in January 2025, and celebrating two weddings in early 2026. Her current status reflects a blend of enduring competitive spirit, ongoing health management, and a rich personal life, all while navigating the evolving dynamics of professional tennis.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Venus Ebony Starr Williams made different choices?