Sports star Venus Williams (44), winner of seven Grand Slams and older sister of Serena, has revealed the tough battle she has been facing for over a decade after being diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome, a rare autoimmune disease that prevents the body's glands from producing the necessary moisture.
During an interview with Harper's Bazaar, Williams recounted how her life changed since she has had this disease, which particularly affected her tennis career. "This tested me in a way I had never experienced before (...) I had all kinds of symptoms, which was a huge challenge as an athlete. When you fall, you push yourself so hard that you literally can't get up," confessed the American.
"It took seven years until I was diagnosed with the disease. It was a mental journey. I wasn't reaching my full potential and didn't know why. Was I working too hard? What was I doing wrong? It takes a toll, and it's not easy to step onto the court when you don't have much to give," shared the athlete.
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Sjögren's syndrome is a disease that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy tissue, and its causes are still unknown. Some symptoms include dryness in the eyes, mouth, and in all mucous membranes that lubricate and soften organs such as the larynx and trachea, and it can even affect the kidneys and lungs. In some cases, it can also lead to kidney problems, ulcers, infections in the salivary glands or pancreatitis, as well as skin rashes, joint pain, fatigue, persistent cough, and other symptoms.
Finally, Venus emphasized the importance of taking a break, admitting that she has been too strict with her schedule. "We don't always have a choice, but rest periods are very important (...) I lift weights and swim in a public Olympic pool near my home, surrounded by pine trees in Florida."
Despite everything, Venus insists that she plans to continue playing tennis to "stay in shape" and has encouraged others to practice this sport. "I keep training, not every day like before, but I will always need to be on the court. It's a wonderful way to stay fit, burn calories, and have great legs and arms!" Lastly, Venus also admitted that she hopes to continue playing because it delays the effects of aging.