Venus Williams has hailed her first round opponent at the US Open after crashing out of the tournament in straight sets on Tuesday.
Williams, who is a two-time champion in New York, suffered a comprehensive 6-1, 6-1, defeat to qualifier Greet Minnen. The result is her most one-sided loss at the tournament out of 24 appearances. The last time she played a match and won fewer games than she did against Minnen was at the 2021 Australian Open when she was crushed 6-1, 6-0, by Sara Errani.
Reacting to her latest defeat, the 43-year-old Williams says she was impressed by the form of the Belgian who she tips could one day crack the world’s top 10. Minnen is currently ranked 97th in the world but has been as high as 69th in the world. She has yet to win a singles title on the WTA Tour but has won two in the doubles.
“I have to give credit to my opponent. I mean, there wasn’t a shot she couldn’t make. Even when I hit really amazing shots, she just hit a winner or a dropshot,” Williams told reporters.
“I don’t think I played badly. I think it was just one of those days where it’s just unlucky.’
“I really have to give credit to her. It was just incredible, honestly. I mean, if she can play like that, you imagine that she can be in the top 10 or perhaps No. 1 or maybe win a Grand Slam, something like that, if she can play at this level.”
Coming into this year’s tournament, the former world No.1 had been troubled by injury setbacks throughout the year. Her most recent problem was a knee issue that forced her to pull out of an event in Cleveland. Overall, she has played just 10 matches so far in 2023 and has only won two of those.
“I was really happy to be here (at the US Open). When I had to withdraw from Cleveland, I wasn’t sure that I could be here,” she commented.
“I have to really thank my doctors for helping me to get here. That in itself was a blessing.’
“I love playing here. I gave it my all. I played some great shots, but she had some incredible answers to that. I wish I could have been more prepared for that.”
As for what the future has in store, Williams remains undecided about her plans. However, she isn’t ruling out the possibility of playing more events before the season ends as the year hasn’t gone as she would have liked.
Meanwhile, Minnen faces Sachia Vickery in the next round who upset 21st seed Donna Vekic in three sets. It is only the fourth time she has reached the last 64 of a major event and the second time she has done so at the US Open after 2021.
