Venus giving lessons to NFL's Bryant McKinnie

The extent of Venus Williams' recovery from the leg muscle injury she suffered at the Australian Open is still unclear -- Williams travelled to Germany for Fed Cup last week but unable to take part in the tie. But she is able to do some light hitting, having given Vikings' football player Bryant McKinnie tennis lessons during the past few weeks.

"It's so amazing how much you can improve," McKinnie told the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "One thing I learned with Venus, you have to be ready to work for a long lesson.

"She tires you out."

McKinnie, who is trying to lose 20 pounds before returning to the field, opted to work with Venus instead of Serena. "She's a better teacher," he said.