Venus Williams Reveals Insurance Was Key to Tennis Comeback

Venus Williams made her return to professional tennis at the Mubadala Citi DC Open on July 22, after a 16-month hiatus. The tennis powerhouse, possessing an impressive seven Grand Slam singles titles, faced Peyton Stearns, marking her comeback with a victory. This win made her the oldest player to clinch a tour-level singles match since Martina Navratilova in 2004.Despite her accolades and earnings exceeding $42.6 million, Williams candidly reflected on a contemporary issue confronting many Americans: the challenge of securing health insurance. "I had to come back for the insurance," she joked, referring to being on COBRA, which means covering the full cost of her health insurance—often exceeding $500 monthly.This experience highlights a significant concern for athletes transitioning from active competition, as the Women’s Tennis Association introduces strict eligibility criteria for health coverage. For Williams, the financial burdens of healthcare remain a serious topic, much like other retired professionals across various sports. (Photo: Wikipedia Commons)