No way I will quit tennis, says Venus following first round Wimbledon exit

London, June 26 (ANI): Five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams has insisted that she will be not quitting tennis anytime soon despite suffering her worst defeat in 15 years at the All England Club since her debut in 1997.

Williams lost 6-1, 6-3 to the 79th-ranked Russian Elena Vesnina.

Venus champion in 2000, 2001, 2005, 2007 and 2008 believes she can still compete at the top level despite her ranking having slipped to 58 after a six-month absence fighting serious illness.

"There's no way I will give up just because I have had a hard time in the first four or five friggin' tournaments back. That's not me," said Williams.

When asked if she will play at Wimbledon in 2013, she was adamant, Sport24 reports.

Venus said: "Sure. I feel like I am a great player who has had to deal with exceptional circumstances.

I don't have time to feel negative. It doesn't feel good. I am as tough as nails; I don't have time to be sorry for myself. I can keep going for a while. You will see me playing here again next year."

The American star arrived at Wimbledon short of confidence having been sidelined with Sjogern's Syndrome, a disease that causes joint pain and fatigue.

Monday's defeat was just her fourth loss at the first round stage of a Grand Slam against 52 wins. (ANI)