"Tennis Star Expresses Distress: 'I Might Lose Blood'"
Venus Williams, the 45-year-old tennis star and one of the greatest professionals of all time, is gearing up for the US Open, set to take place in New York at the end of August. Known for her impressive career spanning over 30 years, Williams has made history in the sport, winning 7 Grand Slam titles in singles, 14 in doubles (14 of which were in partnership with her younger sister Serena Williams), and 2 in mixed doubles.
However, Williams' journey has not been without its challenges. In a recent statement, she revealed that she had been battling health issues before her uterine operation. These issues included uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, and a myoma - a benign muscle knot. These conditions caused her severe symptoms such as debilitating pain, bloating, fatigue, severe anemia, excessive bleeding, and abnormally frequent menstrual cycles.
Initially, these health issues were misdiagnosed or dismissed as "normal," delaying her treatment. This prolonged undiagnosed condition significantly impacted her tennis career, causing interruptions and forcing her to take breaks. For instance, during the 2016 Wimbledon tournament, the pain became so intense that she collapsed in the locker room and required medical assistance. The untreated symptoms and subsequent surgery led to a hiatus of over 16 months from professional tennis.
After undergoing an open myomectomy to remove the fibroids and adenomyoma embedded in her uterus muscle, she was able to return to competition. This surgery took place about a year before her 2025 comeback. Since then, she has felt healthier and more capable, which she describes as a "dream come true."
Despite these challenges, Williams continues to make history. Most recently, she made headlines by defeating US compatriot Peyton Stearns in Washington, becoming the second-oldest singles winner in tennis history, with only Martina Navratilova, who won a match at the age of 47 in 2004, being older.
As she prepares for the US Open, Williams remains optimistic, writing, "There can be a happy ending!" Her resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to many, both on and off the court.
[1] Healthline: Uterine Fibroids [2] CNN: Venus Williams opens up about health struggles and her return to tennis [3] BBC: Venus Williams collapses in Wimbledon locker room [4] Medical News Today: Adenomyosis
- Venus Williams' health struggles, which included battles with uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, and a myoma, were misdiagnosed or dismissed in the past, potentially leading to the use of healthline resources for accurate diagnosis and information.
- Following her uterine operation and recovery, Williams turned her attention to women's health and wellness, advocating for early detection and treatment of health conditions like fibroids, adenomyosis, and other therapies and treatments that may aid in womens' health.
