The Olympic spirit burns brightly in Venus Williams.
Returning to the Games is the main reason the 38-year-old Williams plans to play at least another two years.
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The four-time Olympic gold-medal champion says playing the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games is her ultimate aim and could bring her storied career to a climax.
“It’s my goal to take up another Olympic spot,” Venus told the media at a clinic last week. “And it’s not a given. I have had a lot of tremendous opportunities at the Olympics.
"No one gives you anything. You go and you take it. It’s such a beautiful experience. I hope, God willing, I will be there and it will be another climax in my career.”
Venus, who won the mixed doubles silver medal with Rajeev Ram at the 2016 Rio Olympics, made history in her Olympic debut.
Venus swept gold in singles and doubles, partnering sister Serena Williams, at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.
Olympic gold is more meaningful to Williams than Grand Slam silverware.
Venus said she values the Games more than Grand Slams because of the pride she feels competing as an Olympian.
"For me, personally, yes (Olympics are above Grand Slams)," Venus told the media at the 2016 Roland Garros. "The proudest moment for me when they do the on-court announcements, are the Olympic results. For me, that feels legitimate."
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