Venus Williams Returns, Eyes Cincinnati and US Open

    0
    0

    After completing an ambitious stint of four matches in four days at the D.C. Open, amidst cheers and applause from a grateful crowd, Venus Williams made it clear her return to professional tennis was not a mere ceremonial appearance. Now aged 45, Williams resurfaced on the tour in Washington after a 16-month hiatus, marking her comeback with a victory both in singles and doubles โ€” a significant achievement since she had last won a match back in 2023. Holding seven Grand Slam singles titles, along with 14 in womenโ€™s doubles with her sister Serena, and two more in mixed doubles, Williams was greeted with admiration from the audience and fellow athletes alike.

    โ€œIโ€™m sorry to have come up short,โ€ Williams said candidly after her defeat to 24th-ranked Magdalena Frech, who triumphed 6-2, 6-2. โ€œBut I know I can play better. And I know I will play better.โ€ Williams hinted at more to come, with the Cincinnati Open next on her itinerary in August. Thereโ€™s also a possibility she might be seen competing at the U.S. Open later. She has requested a wild card entry, and the U.S. Tennis Association announced her intent to play in the tournamentโ€™s mixed doubles alongside Reilly Opelka.

    Through it all, the Washington event seemed to be a delightful encore for Williams. She relished the competitive spirit, the thrill of playing, and the admiration of devoted fans. โ€œAll the media, all the fans โ€” everyone is for her,โ€ said Frech, acknowledging Williamsโ€™ unparalleled status as a legend. Nevertheless, Williams emphasized her pursuit is not just for the spectacle; her goal is to win.

    โ€œThereโ€™s a lot of learning here. I know exactly what I need to work on, where I can improve,โ€ Williams remarked. Still capable of delivering commanding serves โ€” some exceeding 110 mph โ€” she demonstrated her tenacity during her win against 35th-ranked Peyton Stearns, proving her ability to fiercely hit forehands and backhands remains intact. โ€œShe played some ball tonight,โ€ Stearns commented appreciatively.

    Reflecting at the end of her time in Washington, Williams discussed the insights gained from her effort to prepare, following a challenging last year due to surgery for uterine fibroids. Her words seemed to echo a note of caution to future opponents. โ€œIโ€™ll reflect on this match and what could be better. Iโ€™ll ensure Iโ€™m prime and ready,โ€ she articulated, signaling just how much information sheโ€™s gleaned from the tournament. โ€œI canโ€™t wait to get back on the practice court,โ€ she enthused, highlighting the tremendous progress sheโ€™s achieved. โ€œWeโ€™ve made great strides, and I expect there will be more.โ€