Venus Williams: "I was told I was inoperable"

In an emotional post, tennis star Venus Williams reveals health problems before her uterus operation and encourages women. "I was told I was inoperable. I was told I could bleed to death on the operating table. I was told to find a surrogate and give up hope of having my own children," wrote American Venus Williams (45) on Instagram.

It had been a year since her operation, during which she had a fibroid removed, among other things. "I was misdiagnosed. I wasn't treated for years," explained Serena Williams' older sister. It is important to stand up for your own health.

"I suffered from severe anemia, debilitating pain, heavy bleeding and unusually frequent menstrual cycles for many years. It affected my tennis and my career."

Williams: "A happy ending"

After all her problems, she is now preparing for the US Open, which takes place in New York at the end of August. In Washington, she recently made tennis history by becoming the second-oldest female singles winner with a success against US compatriot Peyton Stearns. Only Martina Navratilova, who won a match in 2004 at the age of 47, was older. "There can be a happy ending!" wrote Venus Williams.

45-year-old tennis legend

Venus Williams out in round of 16 comeback

Williams is one of the best tennis pros in history. In a career spanning more than 30 years, she has won 7 Grand Slam titles in singles, plus 14 in doubles with her younger sister Serena Williams and two in mixed doubles. She is also a four-time Olympic champion.