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Williams sisters not ready to retire

Serena Williams heads into Wimbledon out of form © PA Photos

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The Williams sisters plan to play on well beyond this year's Wimbledon championship, Serena confirmed on Saturday.

Venus has struggled to recover from Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease that causes fatigue and joint pain, and the five-time Wimbledon champion will be unseeded at Wimbledon. While Serena's first-round exit from the French Open last month ranked as her worst ever result at a major.

Serena and elder sister Venus have not won a grand slam title between them since 2010, when Serena tasted victory at the All England Club. Serena, though, insists the pair still have a desire to return to the top of the women's game.

"I have no intention of stopping and I don't think she (Venus) does either. We're definitely connected at the hip (in that respect)," Serena said. "I enjoy being out there on the court so much and I've been having so much fun, so it's been great.

"I love competing. I love the challenge. I love holding up trophies. So I guess if ever I feel that I can't do that, then maybe I won't play anymore. I love stepping out on that court, having that atmosphere, that moment. That moment is all about me. Maybe it's a little selfish, but I love that feeling."

Serena, the sixth seed for Wimbledon, is hoping to improve on her round of16 defeat against Marion Bartoli last year. She faces Barbora Zahlavova Strycova in the first round, and insists her confidence has not been shaken by her shock loss at Roland Garros.

"I wouldn't be here if I didn't feel confident," said Serena. "Whether I had won in Paris or lost like I did in the first round, I am always extremely motivated.

"Every experience to me is a learning experience. If you don't learn from it then it will keep happening. If anything, I think losing makes me even more motivated. It usually does. So we'll see."

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