By Nick Georgandis
At 32 years of age, Venus Williams seems old – partially because she’s been playing professionally since 1994, but also because the last two years have been a struggle for her, at least in singles play.
Injury and illness have kept her out of all but one final in the past two season – Luxembourg at the end of October – but her lengthy career still has among the all-time greats in a number of career statistics, and a healthy 2012 could push her even higher into that echelon.
Here’s a look at career records that Venus Williams has a chance to reach in 2013
Grand Slam titles – Has seven. One more would put her in sole possession of sixth place.
Grand Slam semifinal appearances – Has appeared in 19. One more would tie Martina Hingis for sixth; two more would tie Aranxta Sanchez-Vicario for fifth.
Grand Slam quarterfinal appearances – Has appeared in 33. Needs one more to tie sister Serena and Sanchez-Vicario for fourth all-time.
Australian Open match wins – Has 39. Needs two more to pass Sanchez-Vicario for eighth, and four more to catch Monica Seles and Kim Clijsters for sixth.
French Open match wins – Has 41. Needs one more to tie Gabriela Sabatini for seventh most all-time.
Wimbledon match wins – Has 71. Needs four to tie Steffi Graf for third most all-time.
US Open match wins – Has 61. Needs one more to tie Lindsay Davenport for fifth all-time.
Career finals – Has 71, needs seven to tie Martina Hingis for sixth.
Career wins – Has 622, good for 12th all-time. Needs four more to pass Pam Shriver for 11th, and nine to pass Gabriela Sabatini for 10th.