Venus Williams BIZARRELY claims Greet Minnen could become World No.1 if she continues playing on the same level following her humiliation in front of home crowd at US Open

Williams' statements critiqued for lack of "context" following exit from 2023 US Open.

Venus Williams BIZARRELY claims Greet Minnen could become World No.1 if she continues playing on the same level following her humiliation in front of home crowd at US Open

Venus Williams (Image via: UK Times)

In a strange turn of events, the first round of the 2023 US Open saw Venus Williams losing to qualifier Greet Minnen. The head-to-head lasted an hour and thirteen minutes in which the 26-year-old beat Williams and secured her spot in the second round. The former champion’s defeat against Minnen came as a shock to many.

In the draw event that was held a few days prior, Venus Williams was supposed to clash with Paula Badosa. But the Spaniard had to withdraw from the Grand Slam as her injuries worsened. However, what the tennis fans found even more baffling than Williams’ 1-6, 1-6 defeat to Minnen were her words after the match.

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After losing the first round of the US Open on Tuesday, Venus Williams credited the 26-year-old for winning against 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, if she can play at this level,” Williams told a reporter after the match.

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Many fans accused Williams’ of trying to cover up her poor performance on-court with the statement. Williams’ claim left fans utterly confused with many wondering if there was “some context” to her statement.

Related: Jessica Pegula breaks silence on all the focus being on her doubles partner Coco Gauff at US Open despite having superior ranking herself

Is Venus Williams to retire soon?

Venus Williams(Image via: The New York Times)
Venus Williams(Image via The New York Times)

Venus Williams is widely regarded as being one of the best players in her sport. The 43-year-old has won 7 Grand Slams over the course of her entire career. Williams turned professional at the age of 14 in 1994 and held a record 49 Singles career titles . The former World No. 1 has 4 Olympic Golds and a Silver to her name.

The American has failed to live up to the hype and is way past her prime. Her fall from being the top seed to her current ranking of 410 has left people wondering if the Tennis star will retire soon.

Talking about her recent match after it concluded, Williams explained the reason for her poor performance.  “I was really getting good momentum into Wimbledon. That fall really kind of threw me for a loop for the summer,” she told the reporters. However, she skillfully refrained from answering any questions regarding her retirement plans.

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