Venus Williams is approaching 35 years of age.  Her 1997 US Open runner-up finish placed her in the top tier of tennis.  Health problems pushed her out of the top tier.  Venus’ career is not going to continue forever, but it is encouraging to see her win matches and reach a tournament final this week.  I saw her in Cincinnati last year.  After a slow start, she was able to come through and win her first match in the Queen City.  In the post match presser, she was candid in saying that she still knows how to hit the ball, but that lack of matches and stamina issues from her health problems have made led to inconsistency.  If Venus finds enough health to practice and play regularly, she can return to the top 10 in terms of her form if not in terms of her ranking.