38 years old and ranked No. 39, Venus Williams not talking retirement

HIGHLIGHTS—Venus Williams d. Victoria Azarenka in Auckland:

Venus Williams isn't interested in talking about retirement as she begins yet another season of professional tennis.

Williams recently split with her coach, David Witt, and has not announced anyone new on her team, creating speculation that she might further reduce her schedule.

The 38-year-old is still highly competitive on tour, ranked No. 39 in the world and the oldest player in the WTA Top 100. At the same time, her ranking has fallen well outside the Top 10 position she had in 2017, when she reached two Grand Slam finals.

"There are so many theories," said Williams, speaking to press at the WTA event at Auckland this week. "I'm not going to confirm or deny anything. I'm just going to shroud it with mystery, try to keep winning matches."

The seven-time Grand Slam champion did acknowledge that playing an international, individual-based sport at the highest level requires commitment, but says she still has it in her.

"It takes a lot of focus, a lot of determination," she said. "But I'm up for it... that's all I can say. The best part is still being able to do what you love, and do it well."

In her first match at the tournament, Williams defeated former No. 1 Victoria Azarenka, 6-3, 1-6, 6-3.

**Hopman Cup (Sat - Sat 12.29 - 1.5)

•    Roger Federer, Alexander Zverev, Serena Williams and Angelique Kerber headline the Hopman Cup. Watch live coverage on Tennis Channel Plus beginning Saturday 12/29 at 9:00pm ET.**

**ATP/WTA Brisbane (Sun - Sun 12.30 - 1.6)

•    Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Naomi Osaka and Sloane Stephens open their 2019 seasons in Brisbane. Live coverage from three courts begins on Tennis Channel Plus on Sunday 12/30 at 8:00pm ET.**

**WTA Auckland (Sun - Sun 12.30 - 1.6)

•    Catch the action from the ASB Classic including Venus Williams and Caroline Wozniacki. Live coverage begins on Tennis Channel Plus on Sunday 12/30 at 8:00pm ET.**

**WTA Shenzhen (Sat - Sat 12.29 - 1.5)

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**ATP Pune (Mon - Sat 12.31 - 1.5)

•    Watch Kevin Anderson, Marin Cilic and Hyeon Chung live from Pune starting Monday 12/31 at 6:30am ET.**