Venus targeting title at Indian Wells

Venus Williams, at 36 of age, is gunning for one of the biggest titles she is yet to win at a tournament she did not play for 15 years.

Williams is through to the BNP Paribas Open quarterfinals after a three-set win over qualifier Peng Shuai on Tuesday.

It was her second three-set victory of the Indian Wells fortnight after being stretched that distance against Jelena Jankovic in her second round.

“Sometimes heart is all you’ve got. You have nothing but the will, desire to win. If you can bring that on the court, paying that price is the biggest price there is to pay,” she said.

Her quarterfinal progression marks the deepest run she’s made in the Californian desert since 2001, in just her sixth appearance at her “home” tournament.

After beating Elena Dementieva in the 2001 quarters, she then pulled out of her semifinal against sister Serena just minutes before they were due to take to the court.

The relentless booing both she and Serena faced from the crowd when Serena took to the court for the next day’s final prompted the sisters to boycott the tournament for more than a decade.

Serena returned after a 14-year absence in 2015; Venus a year later.

Now, she stands just three wins from the title in a depleted WTA field at en event where she has never advanced beyond the semifinals. Elena Vesnina, who upset second seed Angelique Kerber, is next.

“I know I’m getting closer. Today was final 16. So advance to the final eight. There are eight people left. One of us will win. So the odds are getting better,” she said.

“I have to focus. It’s not there yet. It’s just, like, getting closer. Your mouth starts to water, but it doesn’t mean you’ll get fed. So I have to get it in and try to win.

“Of course when I play a tournament, I’m coming because I want to win the title. But I’m obviously keep putting myself in a position to win. So that’s the focus.”