Venus has no plans on retiring

Cape Town - Five-time Wimbledon singles winner Venus Williams says that despite turning 36 a few weeks ago she has no intention of retiring as she still loves playing and will retire when she is ready.

Williams told reporters at a Stanford pre-tournament press conference that retirement was not in her plans, backing up her statement after losing to Angelique Kerber in the semi-finals of Wimbledon recently, that SW19 would be seeing her again in 2017.  

On Wednesday, top-seeded Williams will be in action in the second round of the Bank of the West Classic in Stanford against Magda Linette of Poland.

"I'm pretty much the most mature on tour. There's not a lot of people older than me," Williams told reporters. 

"But I take that as a compliment because I love being out here and it proves that you don't have to go until you're good and ready. 

“So when I'm good and ready I'll go but now is not the time."

So far in her career the 36-year-old has won 49 singles career titles, including nine grand slams, and has had huge success playing doubles with sister Serena, winning 14 slams and four gold medals at the Olympic Games, including the singles crown at the 2000 Sydney Games.

Venus and Serena will be heading to the Rio Olympics, which kicks off on August 5, very much the favourites to add another gold medal to the three they have already won playing doubles together after winning the 2016 Wimbledon women's doubles crown for the sixth time.

The following American tennis players will compete at the Rio Games: 

Women’s singles:
Serena Williams (also doubles)
Venus Williams (also doubles)
Madison Keys
Sloane Stephens

Men’s singles:
Jack Sock (also doubles)
Steve Johnson (also doubles)
Denis Kudla
Brian Baker

Women’s doubles:
Bethanie Mattek-Sands
Coco Vandeweghe

Men’s doubles:
Bob Bryan
Mike Bryan