SPORTS

Venus targets return to elite

February 25, 2007 16:28 IST

Venus Williams has targeted a return to the world's top 16 by the French Open.

The former world number one enjoyed a successful return after more than four months out with injury by thrashing Israeli top seed Shahar Peer 6-1, 6-1 to win the Memphis International on Saturday.

The American slipped down the rankings to 71 after playing just one tournament after Wimbledon last year, because of wrist and knee injuries.

Her 34th career title is projected to lift her ranking from its present level of 54 to inside the top 40 and the American has already plotted out a return to the elite.

"My goal is definitely to be in the top 16 by the French [starting in May]," she said.

"I have three or four more tournaments before that so I think it's pretty reachable. I am entered in Miami, Charleston, Warsaw, Istanbul and the French Open.

"I know my schedule pretty much up to Wimbledon. If I am healthy, I'll be there."

Williams said she is not really surprised at her victory, even though she had not played competitively since October.

"I was thinking before I got here that I could win this, I didn't want anything less," she said.

"I'll take away that no matter what the circumstances, I believe in myself and I know I can achieve, no matter what.

"I have nothing to prove. I feel like I understand what I have within myself, my talent, how hard I work to get where I am and time and time again Serena and I have come back from injury and come back just as good or better."

Williams said she her wrist felt fine but added that she is happy to have a break before her next event, the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, starting on March 19.

"I am happy to have some weeks off but I am looking to get better, every time that I play," she said. "I have played a tournament so I know what I need to work on.

"I feel like I need to take the opportunity to get fitter and even stronger. Playing these matches is nothing like practice, it's really taxing on the body."

Williams's last title came in July 2005, when she won her third Wimbledon crown.

 

Source: REUTERS
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