Venus Williams reveals she had a very important procedure on her uterus on this day one year ago as the American tennis icon removed fibroids and a large focal adenomyoma that caused her trouble for years.
Around this time last year, many wondered whether the seven-time Grand Slam champion silently decided to call time on her pro tennis career since she didn't sign up for any North American hard-court tournaments.
After not taking part in any tournaments for 16 months, Williams dismissed the retirement rumors by playing in Washington two weeks ago and even winning her first singles match since 2023. Now, ahead of kicking off her campaign at the WTA 1000 tournament in Cincinnati - for which she received a wildcard, the 45-year-old American shares that she had a life-changing moment 12 months ago.
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"On this day 1 year ago I was having surgery, an open myomectomy to remove fibroids and a large focal adenomyoma that was imbedded in the muscle of my uterus. What a difference a year makes!" the American tennis player started in her Instagram post.
Williams: I was told I inoperable, that I could bleed to death...To forget the idea of being pregnant
After directly revealing what type of health issue she had and the exact surgery she underwent, Williams claimed that she was "misdiagnosed" for years before finding the right doctor. And it didn't only impact her pro tennis career, but also her private life since she was told for years that she couldn't conceive a child.
"I was told I was inoperable. I was told I could bleed to death on the table. I was told to get a surrogate and forget the hope to carry my own children. I was misdiagnosed. I went untreated for years and years and years. Its so important to advocate for your health! I suffered from severe anemia, debilitating pain, excessive bleeding and abnormally frequent menstrual cycles for many years. It affected my tennis and the trajectory of my career," Williams explained.
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At the end of her message, the five-time Grand Slam winner said she went public with her story because she feels it may help some other women.
"I told my story so other women dont have to go through this and so they can get better sooner," Williams noted.
