By Richard Kent, Staff Reporter

NEW YORK — Where have you gone Venus Williams?

Actually, nowhere. She is still around and playing at a very high level. We all read about Serena, but her older sister seems to be somewhat out of the public consciousness now, at the tender young age of 39.

She is still ranked in the top 100, at no. 52 and is the oldest player, by far in the top 100. She has made it to the quarters at Auckland, Indian Wells and Cincinnati this year. Certainly an impressive feat at any age.     

Williams is and always has been one of the classiest personalities in tennis. Ask anyone around her. Family, business associates or friends.     She turned pro at the age of 14, a full 25 years ago.     

Williams has won 7 Majors, including 2 US Opens, her favorite tournament, in both 2000 and 2001.She has won over 41 million dollars in career earnings and countless more in endorsements largely predicated upon her fashion design.     

There is much speculation as to when Williams will call it a day. Some say after the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. She has won 4 medals at the Olympics, including a singles Gold. She loves playing for her country.     

Williams opens her play at the Open Monday in Louis Armstrong Stadium at 2:15 pm, against tough Zheng Saisai of China. Williams is 1-0 against her foe all-time. She will have a throng of fans in her corner.

That is a certainty.