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Venus Williams’ Hobart International campaign ended quickly on Tuesday as the 45-year-old tennis veteran fell 6-4, 6-3 to Germany’s Tatjana Maria in the first round. The defeat comes less than a week before Williams is set to make her return to the Australian Open after a five-year absence.
Williams, who received wild-card entries for both the Hobart tournament and the upcoming Australian Open, struggled to find her rhythm against the sixth-seeded Maria in windy conditions. The match, lasting just under 90 minutes, marked the second consecutive first-round exit for Williams following her early departure at the Auckland tournament in New Zealand last week.
“The crowd was amazing. Usually I play a really big game and it’s fun to watch,” Williams said after the match. “I felt I couldn’t play that with the wind. I felt bad I wasn’t able to give that performance I usually give. I was in control until I wasn’t… I just need to keep going and doing that and earn my stripes. I’ve been away a while.”
The contest made history as the highest combined age for opponents in a WTA singles match, with Williams and Maria totaling 83 years between them. Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion currently ranked 576th in the world, managed to break the 38-year-old Maria’s serve in the opening set but surrendered her own serve twice, ultimately conceding the set to her higher-ranked opponent.
Maria, currently 42nd in the WTA rankings, expressed hope that their match would send a positive message to the next generation of players. “For all the little girls out there… that they have time and can improve and play longer,” said Maria, who has won three of her four career titles since becoming a mother. “I’m a professional tennis player but I’m also a mom and we have a normal life.”
Despite her struggles on the comeback trail, Williams’ participation in the upcoming Australian Open represents a significant milestone in her storied career. When she steps onto the court at Melbourne Park on Sunday, she will break the tournament’s age record previously held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she competed in the 2015 Australian Open.
Williams has twice reached the Australian Open singles final, in 2003 and 2017, losing to her sister Serena on both occasions. Her return to the year’s first Grand Slam comes amid questions about how much longer the American legend will continue her professional career.
The Hobart International also saw another notable upset as two-time major champion Barbora Krejčíková suffered a first-round defeat. The Czech star, currently ranked 55th and unseeded in the tournament, fell to American Peyton Stearns in a three-set thriller, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (4).
Williams’ early exit continues a challenging period for the former world number one, who has struggled to regain competitive form after extended absences from the tour in recent years due to injuries. However, her continued presence on the circuit speaks to her remarkable longevity in a sport that typically favors youth.
As the Australian Open approaches, attention will turn to whether Williams can recapture some of the magic that has made her one of tennis’s most decorated champions. While expectations may be tempered given her recent results, the veteran’s experience and competitive spirit ensure she remains a compelling figure to watch as the Grand Slam season begins.
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8 Comments
The wind conditions in Hobart seemed to really hamper Williams’ ability to play her usual power game. It’s a shame, as she’s always been one of the most exciting players to watch. Hopefully she can find a way to adapt and capitalize on her experience at the Australian Open.
While the loss to Maria is disappointing, Williams seems to be taking it in stride. Her comments about not being able to play her usual big game due to the wind conditions suggest she’s still learning to adapt her style at this stage of her career. Persistence and resilience will be key moving forward.
It’s a shame to see Venus Williams struggle in the opening round of the Hobart event. At 45, she’s clearly still competing hard, but the wind and other factors seemed to work against her. Hopefully she can regroup and make a strong showing at the upcoming Australian Open.
Interesting to see the match between Williams and Maria set a new record for the highest combined age of opponents in a WTA singles match. Even at 83 years between them, they’re both still battling it out on the court. A testament to their longevity and passion for the sport.
It’s interesting to see the contrast between Williams’ early exit in Hobart and the record-setting match in terms of combined age. While she may be struggling with some aspects of her game, her sheer longevity and determination to keep competing at the highest level is truly remarkable.
The upcoming Australian Open will be a great opportunity for Williams to showcase her skills and experience. While the early loss in Hobart was disappointing, she has the chance to bounce back and make a statement on the big stage. It will be exciting to see how she performs.
It’s great that Venus Williams is making a return to the Australian Open after a 5-year absence. As one of the all-time greats, it will be exciting to see if she can make a deep run, despite the early exit in Hobart. The fans will surely be eager to see her back on the big stage.
It’s commendable that Williams is still competing at the highest level, even at 45 years old. The fact that she’s receiving wild card entries is a testament to the respect she’s earned in the sport. Hopefully she can find her form and make a deep run in Melbourne.