Venus Williams’ singles campaign at the US Open ended early, but the 46-year-old came close to forcing a deciding set against 2020 Australian open champion Sofia Kenin.
The American wildcard lost 6-2, 7-6 (8-6), extending her losing streak in the process to 15 consecutive singles matches. Venus gave a tough competition in the second set and led the tie-break 6-2, only for Kenin to produce a remarkable comeback by taking the final six points.
The match was an unusually late affair. It began at 00:13 local time after Mariano Navone’s five-set victory over Novak Djokovic at Arthur Ashe Stadium, making it the latest-starting match in US Open history. Fewer than 1,000 spectators were present by the end.
“It’s not ideal,” Venus said regarding the midnight start, as quoted by the BBC. “I would have preferred something else definitely. I think it wasn’t great for either of us, so I think we both tried our best.”
She added: “I just don’t know any other sport where you have to start that late. I definitely think there’s room for improvement there.”
The former world number one, Venus, who is currently ranked 618th, received a wildcard for her home Grand Slam despite already being given 12 wildcards this year.
While that has sparked debate, tournament officials argued her status as a generational icon continues to hold significant value. “I think it’s good for tennis to have these generational icons,” said Karl Hale, the tournament director. “That they are still allocating wildcards for them says something to their intrinsic value to the tournaments.”
Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash however does not believe she should take wildcards away from younger players.
“That makes complete sense. You need a draw card, a legend to come out and play in these smaller tournaments,” Cash said during BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra’s US Open coverage.
However, he added: “I personally don’t think she should be taking a wildcard away from a young player after she’s had a great career.”
For now, Williams is focused on doubles, where she will team up with her sister Serena. Asked about her future, she refused to look beyond her next challenge.
“I don’t think I should have to,” said Venus. “I mean, my mind is fully focused on that (the doubles). So I’m going to recover from this completely insane evening and get ready for the next one.”
For latest sports updates: Follow RevSportz
The post Venus Williams and the Wildcard Question appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.
