Sport
Venus and Serena Williams: 2012 here we come
Serena Williams (l) and Venus Williams. PHOTO/Paul Gilham/Getty Images
A tennis exhibition having just concluded, Venus Williams was thanking the fans, her BallenIsles neighbors, when the most poignant remark of Friday afternoon came over her wireless microphone.
“We’re so grateful for everything we have, our health and our families,” she said.
No doubt most in attendance knew exactly what she meant. Not only did her sister, Serena, endure a rocky year that included foot injuries and a pulmonary embolism, but Venus is returning to the tour having been diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome, in which the immune system attacks glands that create tears and saliva, causing dry eyes and mouth. There is no cure.
“This last six months have been a learning curve for me, in terms of learning about Sjogren’s and how it makes me feel, and what I can do,” Venus said before the doubles exhibition.
