Venus Williams’ record-extending 24th appearance in the US Open in singles event ends
Venus suffered a heavy first-round defeat against Belgium’s Greet Minnen.
Venus Williams’ record-extending 24th appearance in the US Open singles draw came to an early end on Wednesday.
The 43-year-old Williams was handed a wild card entry to the tournament.
The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion lost 6-1, 6-1 to Belgian qualifier Greet Minnen in front of a supportive crowd at New York City’s Arthur Ashe Stadium.
This also marked the veteran American tennis star’s heaviest defeat at the US Open since she made her debut in 1997.
“My preparation was definitely minimal,” Williams told reporters after her landmark 100th US Open match.
“But I don’t think that it necessarily affected the bulk of my performance.
“I think there are just shots where my footwork wasn’t really there. A lot of backhands I missed where my feet just weren’t there. That’s normal when you don’t spend a lot of time on the court.”
Venus Williams gives full credit to her opponent, Greet Minnen, after loss at US Open
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 30, 2023
“What effect did your injury have on your performance?”
Venus: “I think 1st I have to give credit to my opponent. There wasn’t a shot she couldn’t make. Even when I hit really amazing shots… pic.twitter.com/KUhhfrYsDd
