Venus Williams bows out in first round of women’s singles at US Open
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Venus Williams bowed out of the first round of the U.S. Open on Thursday, leaving a stunned gallery and fans in the stands watching her exit in despair as she appeared to have been defeated by a resurgent Serena Williams.
The second-seeded American hit a series of forehands and backhands and a forehand return after Williams had called a strike.
The match lasted about two-and-a-half hours as Williams struggled to hold on to serve and volley. With the American in prime form on Monday, things could not have been more different.
“You know, you expect to lose a match like this,” said Williams, who has won more than $13 million in her career and leads Williams to a record of 34-2.
Williams will not play again that week and is not expected in the women’s draw in Cincinnati, which starts Nov. 15.
“Obviously, it’s a sad ending but I’m happy for her,” said Williams’s father, Arthur Williams.
“This is what she loves to do. I know her. This is what she wants to do,” he added.
Williams won the opening set in the first round of the U.S. Open to become the first woman to successfully defend the United States Open title since 1977 by beating the top-ranked Naomi Osaka 6-3, 6-3.
Asked about her emotions, she responded: “I’m disappointed, obviously. I don’t want to lose like that.
“I’m obviously going to have a lot of pain and tears and I just know I have to work through this, not only for next week but for the rest of my life and what went on in that last match.”
It was a stunning end to a tournament that Williams spent much of her time on the court, showing her athleticism and showing a willingness to fight for her life in the heat of battle with
