Nnever stop amaze. At 45, Venus Williams still wants to leave a mark in the world of tennis. The 7 -time Grand Slam tournament champion is preparing to return to play the US Open. And, in the meantime, Mattel He dedicates a Barbie to his image and likeness. A recognition that celebrates its long and winning sporting career, but also his commitment to gender equality in sport.
Barbie tennis player in honor of Venus Williams
The new Barbie by Venus Williams, part of the prestigious “Inspiring Women” collection, is a powerful symbol. Wears the iconic white complete with which the champion won Wimbledon in 2007a historical edition. It was the first Grand Slam tournament a Ensure an identical prize pool for men and womena battle for the equity of which Venus was a supporting proud.
«Wimbledon 2007 was a fundamental moment of my careernot only because I won, but also for what was happening off the pitch, “said the tennis player. «Receiving a fair cash prize was not just about me, but also the desire for a change for all women in sport. Seeing that moment celebrated with a Barbie is incredibly special».
The great return to the US Open
While preparing to enter homes around the world in the form of a doll, Venus Williams is preparing for another company. Thanks to a Wild Card granted by the organizers, will participate for the 24th time in the US Open (older player in the scoreboard since 1981when Renee Richards participated in 47 years). His last appearance dates back to 2023, marked by a defeat in the first round.
Venus Williams: health problems, intervention a year ago
A return that knows of legend if you think to the health problems that Venus He had to face in recent years. In July 2024, the tennis player had to undergo a surgery to remove uterine fibroids and a focal adenomioma. In a post on Instagram, he said: “A year ago I was suffering surgery, an open myomectomy to remove fibroids and a focal adenomioma”. After the intervention, he said he felt “completely healed” and underlined the importance of an accurate diagnosis: For years, doctors had ignored the symptoms, not promptly recognizing the health problem.
Venus Williams in action in Cincinnati, tournament preceding the US Open (Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images)
A Barbie to “inspire girls to dream big”
The circle closes returning to the Barbie one, which for Venus represents much more than a tribute. It is a message for the future, a bridge between his childhood and the new generations. “I have always loved to be creative, since I was a child I cooked clothes for my dolls”recalled. «Seeing my finite Barbie was surreal: it made me understand that it represents something much bigger. It is a question of inspiring girls to dream of big and overcome barriers». And nobody, better than her, can teach how to do it.
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