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Tennis: After Months in Recovery, Venus Itching to Get Back
February 02, 2012

Venus William is hoping to help the United States return to the top tier in the Fed Cup. Last year she was injured and had to sit it out. (AP Photo) Venus William is hoping to help the United States return to the top tier in the Fed Cup. Last year she was injured and had to sit it out. (AP Photo)
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Worcester, Massachusetts. Recovery never comes fast enough for Venus Williams, who plans to return this weekend in the Fed Cup against Belarus after a five-month layoff caused by an autoimmune disease that can cause fatigue and joint pain.

Williams has been fighting Sjogren’s Syndrome and hasn’t played a sanctioned match since the US Open in August. She withdrew after the first round and was not ready to return last month for the Australian Open.

Williams practiced with the US team on Wednesday morning and said she was thrilled to be so close to competing again.

“I think just being on a team and just having some adrenaline just gives me even more energy, to be honest,” she said at a news conference. “I need to be on a team every week and not at home.”

Williams has had to learn the difference between recovering from an injury and an illness. That has meant pacing herself more in practice and minding doctors’ orders not to push it while she tries to regain her form. A former No. 1 and seven-time Grand Slam singles winner, Williams isn’t used to taking it easy.

“The difference is acceptance — trying to accept how you feel and limitations. Listening to your body and taking care of yourself,” she said. “Instead of trying to run through a wall, just really kind of take a step back and be smart.”

The recovery has been frustratingly slow at times, but she feels ready for this weekend when the US begins its quest to return to the top tier in the Fed Cup. The Americans were bounced to Group II in a 5-0 loss to Germany last year, when Venus was with the team but couldn’t play because of a hip injury.

“I was just kind of standing on the sidelines, which was tough because I wasn’t able to help the team at all,” she said. “This year, it’s great to be in a position to help the team.”

It’s also great for US captain Mary Joe Fernandez, who said the lineup for the matches this weekend would depend on how well Venus played in practice in the next few days.

Belarus features new world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka, who won the Australian Open on Saturday.

Associated Press