Venus Williams teases clay-season return, aims to play "fearless" tennis in 2023

Out with a leg injury since the 2023 ASB Classic, Venus Williams recently revealed that she was planning to return to action in the upcoming clay season.

The legendary player spent almost 12 months on the sidelines after her last singles match of the 2021 season. She made a comeback at the 2022 Citi Open in August and went on to participate in the Canadian Open, the Cincinnati Masters, and the US Open. However, she faced first-round exits on all four occasions, ending the year with a 0-4 win-loss record.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion began her 30th year as a professional tennis player at the WTA 250 tournament in Auckland on January 2, 2023. She registered a straight-sets win over compatriot Katie Volynets before losing a closely-fought contest to China's Lin Zhu in the second round.

During the third set against Zhu, Williams picked up a hamstring injury, which prevented the 42-year-old icon from making her 22nd appearance at the Australian Open.

On Thursday, March 23, she participated in a Q&A session with her fans on her fashion brand's (EleVen) Instagram account and answered numerous questions. When a fan asked the former World No. 1 if she would be back for the clay season, she replied:

"I would love to! That's the plan. We will see."

Williams wrote on her Instagram stories

Williams also disclosed her goals for the year, as far as tennis was concerned.

"To reach my potential and play fearless," she wrote.

Williams answered another question

Williams also remarked that the recovery process was not easy since it was a long layoff for her, but she was determined to work hard yet again.

"This time has been tough as I've been out a long time now. But all I can do is do the work and have a little fun too," she responded.

Williams took the third one

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Venus Williams' recent visit to Wimbledon

Venus Williams during the 2017 Wimbledon Championships

During a visit to London earlier this month, Venus Williams took some time out to click a few photographs of the venue where she has tasted the most success in her long and glorious career — Wimbledon. Along with five singles titles at SW19, the American icon also teamed up with Serena Williams to clinch six doubles titles.

She took to social media and wrote:

"I don't know how, but somehow all roads lead to Wimbledon."

Apart from five Wimbledon titles, Venus Williams lifted two US Open trophies and also won the 2000 Olympic gold medal in the singles category.