SantaFeToday.com Santa Fe’s Hometown News
By Arnie Leshin
You have to wonder how long Venus Williams is going to take to the tennis courts?
Her return at age 43 with a bum knee has not done her well and she has suffered with a lack of energy, with Tuesday’s 6-1, 6-1, blow out on the muggy courts at the United States Open at Flushing Meadow to Belgium’s Greet Minnen one of her most lopsided in 100 career matches where she had won Grand Slams in 2000 and 2001.
A year ago when she decided to return to the court after her younger sister Selena retired from a remarkable career following one last hurray at the U.S. Open in 2022, Venus played one good match, but not much since then.
Against qualifier Greet Minnen, she arrived to the delight of supportive spectators at Arthur Ashe Stadium. She received a standing ovation at the start and finish of the match in which she was handily outplayed by 26-year-old Minnen.
The crowd that appeared thrilled to see her -play, sent her to her locker room with applause and yells, and waves. She rapidly left the court shaking her head to this no contest setback.
Later she said: “It was great to hear the support. I know the fans have been here for me forever so that’s fantastic to still hear it. I’m the oldest player in the field but wasn’t happy with my game. I didn’t do very well.”
Yes, her serves were not sharp, her forehands were going wide and long, and her backhands were missing the mark.
Minnen was happy for this win versus a veteran like Venus, and spoke of it.
“For me,” she said, “it was incredible to play a legend like her. I have huge respect, to be there for her at 43 years old is really amazing.”
Williams owns seven major championships that include five at Wimbledon, but she has lost in the first or second rounds in each of her past dozen slam appearances, including bowing out at the All-England club in July after taking a tumble in her opening match.
Does she continue? Who knows, maybe she’ll discuss it with Serena who has attended Venus’ comeback matches, and yes, also received support from the fans in the borough of Queens match. She later hugged Venus and the throng cheered.
