At the “tender” age of 36, Venus Williams has already played in a Grand Slam final and reached two quarter-finals and one semi-final in her eight tournament appearances so far this year. She is also ranked at No. 5 on the WTA Top 8 Road to Singapore.

The 2002 finalist and 10th seed Williams, who yesterday defeated Elise Mertens of Belgium 6-3 6-1, to become the oldest female player to reach the fourth round of the French Open Ladies Singles draw, is looking fitter and healthier than ever and continues to give the younger players a free one-on-one coaching lesson each time she steps on to the court.

Williams, who finds herself in the toughest section of the draw alongside the defending champion, Garbine Muguruza, the 2010 finalist, Samantha Stosur, the 2009 champion, Svetlana Kuznetsova and the home favourite, Kristina Mladenovic will next take on the 2015 semi-finalist, Timea Bacsinszky. 

Younger sister, and one of the all-time greats, Serena, flew to over Paris to support her older sister.

Whether she is dominating from the baseline, or in full flight at the net, Venus Williams continues to have one of the most powerful games, both on attack and defence, in ladies tennis. She holds the record for the fastest serve in several tournaments and when she’s on song, you’d better get out of the way.