However recent physical problems have dealt Williams a series of career threatening setbacks.

In January at the Australian Open, Williams retired in the third round with a hip muscle injury. Then after skipping the French Open, at Wimbledon Williams became an upset victim on the fourth round and is yet to compete since on the WTA Tour.

Williams was seen rubbing her hip after several points at Wimbledon and withdrew from summer hardcourt tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati due to a viral illness.

And while her 29 year old sister Serena Williams could be the tournament’s favorite this year, Venus Williams will look to make the most of a favorable draw.

Being unseeded, Williams could have faced among other top players; her sister Serena Williams or the top ranked Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark in the first round. However according to the draw, Williams could not face either player until the final round.

Williams could meet the 2006 US Open champion Maria Sharapova of Russia in the semifinals. Monday night Williams is set to compete in the first round at the US Open versus Vesna Dolonts of Russia.

Williams was recently spotted on a shopping spree with her dog in West Hollywood, but has she been hitting the practice courts hard as well?