Venus Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, was defeated by Greet Minnen of Belgium in the opening round of her record-extending 24th US Open on Tuesday.
Williams’ 26-year-old opponent, who was born just a few weeks before she competed in her maiden Grand Slam final at the 1997 US Open, was no match for the legendary tennis player at the age of 43.
Williams, whose world ranking has dropped to 410th, was never in the match against Minnen, who controlled every aspect of the contest to win easily.
Williams has recently exhibited a tendency to forego playing after the US Open at the end of each season.
The American veteran, however, said that she would change her intentions following a season that was derailed by ailments, particularly a knee injury sustained at Wimbledon, where she also lost in the first round.
“I may reconsider that this year because my year didn’t go the way, in any way, shape or form, that I thought it would go,” Williams said.
“I was really getting good momentum into Wimbledon. That fall really kind of threw me for a loop for the summer.”
Williams meanwhile refused to give any clue as to when she may decide to follow her younger sister Serena into retirement.
Asked what would be the decisive factor in determining her next career move, she replied: “I wouldn’t tell you so I don’t know why you’re asking.”
Williams though lavished praise on Minnen, saying she had the talent to reach the pinnacle of the women’s game.
“There wasn’t a shot she couldn’t make,” Williams said. “Even when I hit really amazing shots, she just hit a winner or a dropshot.
“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.”
