AFP/File – Venus Williams, seen here in action in May 2009, has warned her rivals that she has not even entertained … LONDON (AFP) – Venus Williams has warned her rivals that she has not even entertained the thought of retiring while she remains at the pinnacle of women's tennis.
Williams is preparing to defend her Wimbledon Singles title this week, a Grand Slam she has made her own since claiming her first crown in 2000.
Last year's final success against sister Serena was her fifth in the English capital and she is also aiming for a hat-trick of titles this year, having defeated Marion Bartoli in 2007.
Williams, who turned 29 last week, is at the age when most players start contemplating a life away from the court, but the Floridian insists she has targeted success until at least 2012, when when she hopes to return to London to compete in the Summer Olympics.
"I'm still here and I don't think I'm going to be leaving any time soon," she said. "It's been a real blessing to be a success here and to still be playing great tennis at this point in my career.
"I still think I'm capable of playing here for many years to come - I hope so, at least.
"I'm going to be 30 next year, so why not? I do see myself coming back and I see myself coming here in Olympics year, 2012, which really isn't that far off. To win more gold medals would be incredible, that's my favourite event."
Williams may have made Centre Court her own in the 21st century, but she still needs five more Singles titles to overtake the all-time record holder, Martina Navratilova.
Williams insists she is not motivated by the thought of becoming the most successful woman ever to grace the grass of south-west London, although she is acutely aware of her place in the tournament's illustrious history.
"It's incredible, looking up at those names on the champions board, and see a good number by your own name," she added.
"It's great to be a part of that history and if I can step it up a notch, it will be even more of an honour. But I guess it will mean even more every year I achieve something here.
"Everyone asks about Martina's number: her achievements are amazing but I have my own achievements. It's not like I'm aiming to go higher than her - it's just all about what I can achieve."
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