TENNIS
When did Venus Williams make her debut as a professional tennis player?
The older of the Williams sisters keeps competing at 43 after a prolific career, but when did she play her first professional game?
Venus Williams has become one of the biggest tennis icons in recent times thanks to a successful and long career. The California native, who made a big impact in the WTA Tour when she turned pro, as well as her sister Serena Williams, had to deal with injuries over the last years, which made her think about retirement.
However, Venus has always expressed her love for the sport and has been resilient to the idea of retiring, despite being well past her prime at 43.
The American last played on Monday, in a record 24th Open-era appearance in the Wimbledon singles. The five-time Wimbledon champion faced the Ukrainian Elina Svitolina in the first round of the tournament.
Williams ended up losing in straight sets after suffering a knee injury, although she showed determination and confidence before her right leg slipped attempting a backhand volley.
A star was born 29 years ago
Before playing her first professional game, there were a lot of expectations on Williams, who was regarded as one of the best American tennis talents.
Venus made her debut at the Bank of the West Classic in October 1994, at the age of 14. She proved the hype was real, as she defeated fellow American Shaun Stafford, who had reached the fourth round at Roland Garros earlier that year, in two sets (6-3, 6-4).
Venus had asked for a wildcard to take part in the tournament to avoid the ‘Capriati rule’, which prevented young women from competing in too many events on tour before they turned 16 to avoid burnout.
After his impressive win, Williams said in the post-match conference that she felt no nerves at all:
“I was a little surprised how I wasn’t nervous at all, or excited or jumpy, or you know yelling and screaming, but I wasn’t surprised because I know I can play and that no one’s going to stop me”.
In the next round of the tournament, Williams put against the ropes Arantxa Sánchez Vicario, one of the best Spanish rackets of all time, who had won the French Open and the US Open that year. The American won the first set 6-2, but her opponent reacted in time to win the following two sets 6-3, 6-0.