Venus Williams wins her first singles game since 2021
The former world No.1 defeated fellow countrywoman Katie Volynets as she is getting ready for the Australian Open.
She’s 42, has won seven Grand Slam titles and has earned millions of dollars and fame throughout her career, but retirement doesn’t seem to be among her plans yet.
Venus Williams wants to keep being a threat to time and her tennis opponents and has started her 27th season in style with a win over compatriot Katie Volynets in two sets 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 at the Auckland Classic, which is being held for the first time in three years.
Volynets, 21, was ahead in the first set tiebreak when play was suspended due to rain, but she faded after both players came back to the court to resume the game.
A special victory
It’s not just a regular win, it’s her first victory in the WTA women’s singles circuit since 2021 when she defeated Mihaela Buzarnescu in three sets in Wimbledon.
“This is one of my favorite places to come, I was so excited that I made it here. I’m happy to get a win today against a great opponent,” she said after winning the match.
The older of the Williams sisters is preparing for her 25th appearance at the Australian Open after being offered a wildcard entry to the tournaments in Auckland and Melbourne.
Williams, currently outside the top 1,000 in the rankings, will play against China’s Zhu Lin in the second round after she upset American sixth seed Madison Brengle in three sets.