Venus Williams delivers classy response after worst-ever US Open defeat

30 August 2023 , 08:20

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Venus Williams is out of the US Open (Image: Getty Images)

Venus Williams lauded her opponent Greet Minnen after the Belgian qualifier convincingly won their first-round US Open clash 6-1, 6-1.

Williams, 43, suffered her heaviest ever defeat at Flushing Meadows in the early hours of Wednesday morning (UK time) but resisted the temptation of announcing her retirement. She praised Minnen's display instead, insisting "there wasn't a shot she couldn't make".

Williams, who is the sister of 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena, is one of the greatest tennis players of all time and many fans expect her to call time on her career soon. Serena ended her glittering career at the US Open a year ago.

Venus, who first competed in the US Open in 1997, said: "I have to give credit to my opponent, there wasn’t a shot she couldn’t make.

"I don’t think I played badly, it was just one of those days where I was unlucky. I was really happy to be here. I love playing here and I really gave it my all today."

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Williams also applauded the crowd, adding: "It was really great to hear the support. I know the fans have been here for me forever, so that’s fantastic to still have that support even more than ever. So it’s a beautiful thing, and I love the Open."

Williams has enjoyed a remarkable career since reaching the final of the US Open in 1997. In the singles, she's a five-time Wimbledon winner and claimed the Olympics title in 2000. She also won the US Open in 2000 and 2001, beating Serena in the latter final.

Williams is not interested in calling it a day (Getty Images)

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Williams would've probably won a lot more singles titles if it wasn't for her brilliant sister. She lost seven Grand Slam finals to Serena, including twice at the Australian Open and once at the French Open. Those are the two Grand Slam titles she's yet to claim.

Yet Serena has also helped her older sister win countless doubles titles. Venus has won 16 Grand Slam titles in either the mixed doubles or the women's doubles, often alongside her sibling. She also won three more Olympic golds with Serena's help.

For Minnen, it was an honour to share a court with the 43-year-old Williams. The world No.97 said: "For me, it was incredible to play a legend like her. I have huge respect. To be there at 43 years old, it’s amazing really."

Minnen added: "Already when I was five, six years old, she was on TV almost every slam. She was going so far in every tournament. She’s always been an amazing player and she still is now. I knew I had to bring my 'A' game to beat her."

Tom Blow