Venus Williams Issues Emotional Anniversary Statement After Being Told She Could ‘Bleed to Death’

Tennis legend Venus Williams has never been a stranger to adversity — but this week, she opened up about a personal health battle that nearly cost her life.

In an emotional statement shared on the anniversary of her health scare, Williams revealed for the first time that doctors once told her she could “bleed to death” due to a previously undisclosed medical condition.

“A year ago today, I was told something no one ever expects to hear: ‘You could bleed to death,’” Venus wrote. “Those words echoed in my mind long after I left the hospital room.”

Though the 7-time Grand Slam champion didn’t go into full medical detail, she spoke candidly about the fear, the silence, and the strength it took to fight a battle few ever saw.

“I’ve spent my career being strong on the court, but this was different. This was about survival. And I stayed quiet about it — not because I was ashamed, but because I needed time to process the gravity of what almost happened.”

Williams shared that the scare forced her to slow down for the first time in her adult life, stepping back from intense training and international tournaments. What followed was a period of deep reflection and physical recovery.

“For someone whose life has always been about pushing boundaries and never stopping, being told I had to be still — or I might not survive — was the hardest lesson I’ve ever had to learn.”

The anniversary post struck a chord across social media, with fans and fellow athletes flooding her comments with support, admiration, and shared stories. Venus used the moment not just to reflect on her experience, but to advocate for women’s health awareness — particularly among Black women, who face significantly higher rates of misdiagnosis and medical neglect.

“Too often, women — especially Black women — are dismissed when we talk about our pain. We’re told we’re exaggerating. That we’re strong. That we’ll be fine. I was lucky. But not everyone is.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8VBPFCSPpw

This isn’t the first time Williams has used her platform to address health issues. In 2011, she revealed her battle with Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease that nearly ended her career. Since then, she has become an advocate for chronic illness awareness, plant-based living, and holistic recovery.

But this latest chapter, she says, changed her in deeper ways.

“This wasn’t just a wake-up call. It was a rebirth. I don’t take a single day for granted. I’m more grateful, more present, and more committed than ever to living with purpose.”

As Venus continues to inspire with her resilience both on and off the court, her story reminds us that even icons have fragile moments — and that speaking out can be its own form of strength.

“If my story helps one woman go get that check-up, ask that question, or listen to her body — then it’s worth it.”