Any other time and any other speaker, the closing remarks might have been dismissed.
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. Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.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.
Although she added, “I’m coming along well,” the true measuring stick won’t happen until both she and her sister step on the court next month for the Australian Open. Sjogren’s (pronounced SHOH-grins) causes fatigue and joint pain for many sufferers.
“It’s definitely a big concern,” Venus said. “But at the end of the day, it’s important to know what I’m dealing with. “
Complicating matters is that many conventional treatments, such as steroids, are off-limits for professional athletes – doubly so for a player who has announced her intention to seek another Olympic doubles championship with Serena when the London 2012 Games commence.
“My main goal is to be healthy for the Olympics,” Venus said. “It’s an athlete’s dream come true, just to compete there, and I’m really looking forward to representing not only the U.S., but Palm Beach Gardens.”
A new year also couldn’t come soon enough for Serena, who shares an upbeat outlook on health issues.
“I’m definitely feeling 100 percent, which is good,” Serena said. “Last year, I didn’t play Australia. I didn’t travel. This is good for me.”
Merely a flicker of those competitive fires has been satisfied by watching Miami Dolphins games. The sisters own a minority share in the club.
“It’s a growing team,” said Serena, adding she watches every game, on TV or in person. “We’re already making good moves. We played a little better later in the year and that’s good.”
Venus claimed she had no role in the firing of coach Tony Sparano.
“They don’t let me make the coaching choices,” she said, “because then, it would really be bad.”
Knowing Serena’s spotty track record when it comes to dealing with officials, organizers assigned Ira Peskowitz, a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputy, as chair umpire to maintain order on the court. Peskowitz immediately laid down the law by issuing Serena’s partner, Sasha Bajin, a ticket for serving too fast.
The antics were to benefit Project Aspiration, a mobile learning center serving Palm Beach County with 19 Internet-ready learning stations and computers. Fittingly, the sisters took the court having both wrapped up papers for college courses they’re taking.
Who won the match (“for the BallenIsles Championship,” Serena declared) is open to interpretation. Venus and hitting partner David Witt took an early lead on Serena’s team before the crowd got what it really came for. The sisters played the final few games together, against the guys, and closed out the set by winning the tiebreaker 7-4.
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Source: Los Angeles Times (edited)
