One of the most powerful relationships in tennis history is the one held by the sisters, Venus and Serena Williams, both players that have reached the sky with some amazing performances. Not only did they dominate individually, but together they won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles.

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However, recent years haven’t been easy, as it was recently revealed that Venus Williams has been battling fibroids, a condition that has significantly impacted her health. The intense pain associated with the illness has made it difficult for the U.S. tennis legend to consistently perform at a high level.

Since the news broke, Serena has been a pillar of support for her older sister that has not announced that she has retired, instead she is waiting for the best moment to make a new appearance and try to battle for new championships. Serena is committed to helping her sister through this new chapter.

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Serena Williams stands by her sister Venus amid health struggles

Venus Williams confirmed in Self Magazine that she is struggling with her health, after battling against fibroids, an illness that have affected her during her career and her daily life. She described the toll it has taken on her body and the challenges it presents in maintaining her professional level of performance.

However, Serena has always been alongside Venus accompanying her in every aspect of her life, as a professional player where they broke records, won championships and more and in her personal life where she has been with Venus all the time.

At first when the news was shared to the world, in the magazine article and an interview with Zinhle Essamuah, Serena quickly took to social media to post encouraging messages to her sister, where she captioning it: “Your courage.” as reposted of the Self Magazine post about Venus.

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Demonstrating her full support, Serena Williams shared an Instagram Story featuring a post by Dr. Shirazian, which highlighted Venus speaking about her journey with fibroids. Alongside the video, Serena added the caption, “Super important for health,” emphasizing the significance of raising awareness around the condition.

The bond between the Williams sisters has always been remarkably strong. Serena has consistently stood by Venus, offering support both personally and professionally. In one notable example, while living together in 2012, Serena even adopted Venus’s specialized diet as a gesture of solidarity during her sister’s health journey, a testament to their unwavering connection.

For now, Venus Williams is taking a break from competition, embracing a new chapter as co-host of the podcast Unfiltered Truth alongside her sister Serena. While she remains focused on her health, Venus is hopeful she can return to the court. determined to prove she’s a champion not only in tennis, but in life, as she battles an illness that has tested her resilience.

Petra Kvitova has announced she will retire from tennis in 2025, calling time on her long and hugely successful career.

The Czech star was one of the most decorated and successful players of her generation, winning an impressive 31 WTA Tour titles and reaching world No 2 in the WTA Rankings.

However, the 35-year-old will probably be best remembered for her two Wimbledon triumphs, beating Maria Sharapova in the 2011 final and Eugenie Bouchard in the 2014 final.

Kvitova was also the runner-up at the 2019 Australian Open final, falling to Naomi Osaka, a French Open semi-finalist in 2012 and 2020, and a two-time US Open quarter-finalist.

The Czech welcomed her first child, a son named Petr, last summer and returned to action at the Austin Open in February 2025, losing to Jodie Burrage in her opening match.

She has struggled to recapture her best form since her return, winning one of just seven matches, including a three-set loss to Viktorija Golubic in the opening round of Roland Garros.

Kvitova was the only non-British wildcard announced by Wimbledon on Wednesday, with the 35-year-old not needing to use her protected ranking to enter the draw.

However, the Czech has confirmed it will be her final appearance at the tournament in which she won two Grand Slam titles, though it will not be the final event of her career.

In an emotional message on social media, the former world No 2 revealed her intention to play until the US Open, the final Grand Slam tournament of the season.

She wrote: “Growing up in my hometown of Fulnek and hitting the first tennis balls with my father on the local courts, I never imagined becoming a professional tennis player, being able to travel the world, and playing in the most beautiful stadiums around the world. And sure enough…somehow all of that became a reality, and so much more.

“I’ve been privileged to reach incredible heights over the past 19 years since becoming a professional tennis player. From winning my two Wimbledon Championships, bringing home six Billie Jean King Cup trophies for the Czech Republic, reaching the world #2 ranking and so much more.

“I have accomplished more than I could have ever imagined and I am so grateful to everything that tennis has given me all these years. It has taught me countless lessons, not only on the court or in the gym, but also in life. I would never be whom I am today without this beautiful sport, and everything it has given me both on and off the court.

“As will all phases in life, there comes a day that it is time for a new chapter, and that time for me has come now. I therefore wanted to share with you that 2025 is my last season on tour as a professional.

“I am excited and very much looking forward to soak in the beauty of playing The Championships, Wimbledon one more time, a place that holds the most cherished memories in my career for me. And while I am not entirely sure yet what my hardcourt swing in the US will look like, I am intending to finish my active playing career at the US Open in New York later this summer.

“While no such decision is ever easy to make, for me this is a happy moment! I will leave the sport with the biggest smile on my face – the same smile you’ve seen from me on and off court throughout my whole career.

“Through all these years, I am so incredibly thankful for the unwavering support of my family, my closest friends, my team, and all the incredible fans that have always supported me around the world over all these years.

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“I could not have asked or wished for anything more – tennis has given me everything I have today, and I will continue to be forever grateful to this beautiful sport that I love.”

Among those to congratulate Kvitova shortly after her announcement was fellow Wimbledon champion Boris Becker, who sent a touching message to the Czech on Instagram.

“What a lady you are Petra! Congratulations on your very successful career, the game of tennis will miss your smile,” wrote the former world No 1.

The Czech’s final Wimbledon campaign will get underway from June 30th, the start of main draw action.

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TNT Sports has been covering the French Open on both sides of the Atlantic – and two pundits in particular have been attracting huge praise.

Venus Williams and Caroline Wozniacki, both former world No 1’s, have played starring roles as pundits on the network so far, with both offering intriguing insight into the sport.

Most tennis players only turn to punditry or broadcasting roles after retiring from tennis – so has either tennis greats officially called it quits?

In reality, both could return to court at some point in the future.

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Wozniacki’s maternity break

The winner of 30 WTA Tour titles, former world No 1 Wozniacki initially retired from tennis at the 2020 Australian Open – two years after lifting her sole Grand Slam title in Melbourne.

Danish star Wozniacki then welcomed daughter Olivia and son James alongside husband, basketball great David Lee, before announcing a surprise comeback in the summer of 2023.

Wozniacki reached the second week of the US Open in both 2023 and 2024 and also progressed to the third round of Wimbledon in 2024, though she hasn’t played since Flushing Meadows last summer.

The 34-year-old withdrew from the Australian Open at the start of 2025 and appeared on ESPN’s coverage of the tournament back in January.

The reason for her withdrawal became clear in April, when she announced the exciting news that she and Lee were expecting their third child.

Speaking at a TNT event ahead of Roland Garros, Wozniacki revealed a return to court post-maternity leave was still a possibility.

She said: “I’m currently seven and a half months pregnant so I don’t think you’ll see me at Wimbledon. I don’t know what the future holds at this point, I’m not sure.

“Honestly, I haven’t made a decision yet. I don’t know how my body is going to feel after this baby.

“I can’t answer that question [about retirement] until I see where I’m at, where my body feels, what I feel like mentally and physically. So I’m not sure.”

Williams ‘still open’ about return

Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Williams is undoubtedly an icon of the sport, and one of the most influential players in tennis history.

However, for the first time since 1994, the 44-year-old finds herself without a WTA Ranking.

Williams hasn’t played since the ‘Sunshine Double’ in 2024, losing in the opening round of Indian Wells to Nao Hibino, and then round one of the Miami Open to Diana Shnaider.

The American was expected to return to court at Indian Wells this year after the tournament had announced she had received a wildcard, though she revealed she had never intended to play.

Despite declining a spot in the main draw of Indian Wells, Williams, who turns 45 in June, has also not discounted a return.

Speaking to TNT about her broadcasting role in May, the former world No 1 revealed she was “still open” to playing professional tennis once again.

She commented: “While I haven’t retired and am still open to returning to the court when the time feels right, commentating allows me to stay immersed in the sport without the physical demands of competition.

“This decision wasn’t about stepping away from playing but about embracing a new way to contribute to the sport that’s shaped me.

“Tennis has given me so much, and now I have the chance to give back by telling its stories, celebrating its stars, and sharing its magic.”

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Serena Williams recently shared a brief reaction after her husband, Alexis Ohanian’s track and meet series, Athlos, announced the addition of Olympian Tara Davis-Woodhall to their lineup. Ohanian is a staunch advocate of women’s sports, who organized an all-women track meet, Athlos NYC, last year.

Athlos also announced the addition of the field events from the next edition onwards.

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Davis-Woodhall made waves last year due to her stellar performance at the Summer Games in Paris. The American came sixth in the women’s long jump final at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics; however, four years later, she secured a gold in Paris, courtesy of her 7.10-meter long jump.

She also secured a triumph in the women’s long jump event at the 2025 Drake Relays. The 25-year-old was recently featured in a promotional social media clip for Ohanian’s track and field event. The advertisement showed Davis-Woodhall preparing for a long jump, accompanied by a motivational voiceover.

“There was a time I almost quit the sport. And left everything I worked for behind. But then I remember, that would be giving you easy way out,” she said in the video.

23-time Major champion Williams was seemingly elated with the update as she re-shared it on X.

“Let’s go @athlos @tar___ruh,” she captioned.

The Athlos NYC was held in September last year and featured six events like the 100m, 200m, 100m hurdles, 400m, 800m, and 1500m. Notable figures such as Brittany Brown, Gabby Thomas, Masai Russell, and Jasmine Camacho-Quinn participated as well, adding star power and excitement for the audience.

Serena Williams ’ H usband Alexis Ohanian E xplains H ow Athlos W ould H elp W omen E arn ‘The S potlight T hey D eserve ’

As mentioned earlier, Ohanian is a staunch advocate for women’s sports and frequently promotes the cause. Days after the Athlos NYC meet concluded, he reflected on the event, saying it would elevate the recognition that women athletes rightfully deserve.

“First of all, the vibes were BIG. Having 29x Olympic medals on the roster sure helps turn out an audience, but track has been on the rise this year, period. These women are finally getting the spotlight they deserve. @Athlos is s all about amplifying that, and it worked!” He wrote on X.

First of all, the vibes were BIG. Having 29x Olympic medals on the roster sure helps turn out an audience, but track has been on the rise this year, period. These women are finally getting the spotlight they deserve.@ATHLOS is all about amplifying that – and it worked! pic.twitter.com/1TL3cBdphJ — Alexis Ohanian 🗽 (@alexisohanian)

Apart from this, the 42-year-old combined his passion for sports and entrepreneurship with promoting women’s sports by investing in the National Women’s Soccer League’s Angel City FC. The soccer club reached the valuation of a whopping $300 million after earning a $250 million investment from Disney chief executive Bob Iger and his wife, Willow Bay.

The Reddit co-founder also co-produced an NWSL show, “The Offseason,” with NY Gotham FC forward Midge Purce. The series, which documented 11 NWSL players training together during the offseason, achieved notable viewership success, with Ohanian actively promoting it across multiple social media platforms

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The 2025 season has been a struggle for Coco Gauff.

The American tennis star has suffered multiple early exits across WTA tournaments and former Serena Williams coach Rick Macci believes he knows why.

3 Coco Gauff hasn’t had the best start to her tennis season Credit: Getty

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Gauff’s poor showing this season was confirmed when she relinquished her title as the top-ranked American player and dropped to world No.4, with Jessica Pegula replacing her.

Since that United Cup win with Team USA in early January, Gauff has failed to make any impact in the tournaments that have followed.

She first suffered a quarter-final defeat to Paula Badosa in at the Australian Open.

The 21-year-old then suffered further losses to Martha Kostyuk in Doha before losing to McCartney Kessler 6-4, 7-5 in Dubai.

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Her home tournaments at Indian Wells and the Miami Open did not offer any reassurances to Gauff either as she was upset by Belinda Bencic and Magda Linette, respectively.

Much of Gauff’s struggles have come down to her serve and forehand, a skill that Macci believes she needs to rewire.

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“Might get worse before better unless a science based approach is used to rewire,” Macci said referencing her forehand.

“With speed like a member of the USA TRACK and two elite double BEES (Backhand/ Backbone) Coco is Special. C

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“Can fight to many wins. If she takes a step back I know for sure she will go many more steps forward and most of all stay there.”

It’s not the first time that Macci has called for Gauff to improve her skills.

3 After poor showings Gauff has dropped to World No. 4 Credit: Getty

3 Rick Macci coached both Serena and Venus Williams when they were young Credit: GETTY

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“Coco has untapped potential and can get to number one and most of all stay there,” Macci said on X back in early March.

“If second serve becomes an asset and forehand become her best shot, her first serve SOMEDAY can hit 130 mph as she continues to tweak. Make up speed is as good as the sport has ever seen.”

Macci also isn’t the only ex-coach of Williams to call for Gauff to improve her serve and forehand.

Rennae Stubbs, who coached Williams in 2022, said on her podcast: “Her technique fails under pressure and when you’re playing outside – a lot of her success last year and even at the beginning of this year was played indoors – there’s no wind or variables.

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“When you have a technique that is questionable at times, whether it be the second serve and the service motion, and the service grip, all that sort of stuff and the forehand, it affects your game more.”

Stubbs went further, claiming Gauff’s forehand issues may never be solved, and that it’s up to her to adapt her game to mitigate her weakness.

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“Her technique on her forehand is always going to be a problem for her going forehand. So it’s a matter of can she get over those humps. Can she get through the tough three-set match, which she didn’t last week,” Stubbs added.

Gauff herself brushed off criticism at Indian Wells a few weeks ago when asked about her worrying form.

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“Everyone makes a bigger deal than what it is,” Gauff told reporters about her struggles.

“I’ll lose more matches back to back. It’s going to happen.”

Gauff will look to kick start her season at the Madrid Open at the end of this month.

The tournament is on a clay, a surface she has had success on in the past.

She won the French Open doubles in 2024, a year after reaching the singles final.