American tennis stalwart Venus Williams achieved a significant milestone by defeating a top-20 rival, Veronika Kudermetova of Russia, in Cincinnati, marking her most noteworthy victory in four years.
first win in the US in over three years
At the age of 43, Williams displayed remarkable resilience, recovering from a dual service break deficit in both sets to triumph over the 16th-ranked Kudermetova, sealing the match with a scoreline of 6-4, 7-5. Radiating a broad smile, the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion savored her triumph, celebrating her first win at a US-based tournament in over three years.
Williams’ statement
Reflecting on her journey, Williams expressed her passion for the sport, stating, “I have a profound love for this game; it defines me. Despite the challenges posed by injuries in recent years, I derive strength and authenticity from being on the court. I am steadily progressing.”
Next steps
Williams’ next challenge will be against either Qinwen Zheng of China or Belarus’ Aliaksandra Sasnovich in the second round. The former world number one is determined to string together consecutive victories on the WTA Tour for the first time since the 2019 Cincinnati event.
Interestingly, her prior triumph over a top-20 adversary took place during the same 2019 Cincinnati tournament, where she outplayed the then world number five, Kiki Bertens, and advanced to the quarter-finals.
vondrousova facing siniakova
As the Cincinnati Open unfolds, other compelling matchups emerge. Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova faces compatriot Katerina Siniakova, while Caroline Wozniacki, a former Danish number one, continues her post-retirement comeback against France’s Varvara Gracheva.
However, Wozniacki’s scheduled clash with Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina was derailed by a foot injury. Svitolina, a Wimbledon semi-finalist who recently returned to the tour following childbirth, withdrew from the match.
TENNIS TIPSTERS
