Emotional Venus Williams social media post raises speculation of retirement

Venus Williams has prompted speculation that she is nearing the end of her career after posting an emotional message on Instagram.

The tennis legend took to the social media platform to reflect on the 28th anniversary of her professional debut.

She shared a message accompanied by nostalgic images of her first day as a professional back in 1994.

She wrote: “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.

“Everyday, win, lose or draw. I can look back with no regrets.

“It’s all been worth it.”

While there is no immediate hint of retirement, the former Wimbledon champion’s pondering message of looking back with no regrets ignited speculation about her future.

And some tennis legends were quick to pay tribute to the 42-year-old.

Coco Gauff replied: “Queen.”

Relily Opelka commented: “My idol!”

With the tennis world saying goodbye to the likes of Roger Federer and Serena Williams earlier this year, we may be on the verge of bidding farewell to another legend.

After initially announcing her retirement from tennis, Serena claimed that ‘the chances are very high’ that she’d return to the court again.

As for Venus, she last played in the US Open in September where she lost in the first round of singles competition.

She again lost in the first round of the double competition when paired with Serena as a wild-card entry.

Venus Williams has won seven Grand Slam singles titles in addition to her 16 major doubles titles.

She is a five-time Wimbledon champion having dominated the competition in the early 2000s.

She is currently ranked 1011 in the world, which reflects a season of sparse competitive play.

Williams will have to be selected as a Wild Card if she is to play in the Australian Open early next year.