“All fired up,” Venus Williams ready to play again and make ‘more memories’ at the Australian Open
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Venus Williams (Image Credit: NPR)
Venus Williams started her career in 1994. This is her 30th season on the WTA Tour as a professional player. In her long career, she has seen many ups and downs and has won seven Grand Slam singles titles in her career, including five Wimbledon and two US Open titles. However, she is still chasing her dream of winning her career’s first Australian Open singles title.
The American is in Auckland, New Zealand to participate in the ASB Classic tournament. She defeated her compatriot Katie Volynets 7-6, 6-2 in the first round of the tournament in what was a rain-affected match. The weather played spoilsport and in the first set rain stopped play. Volynets was leading against Williams, at this time; however, the seven-time Grand Slam champion soon showed her class and defeated her opponent.
While it was a comfortable victory for the five-time Wimbledon champion, she also acknowledged that she has to improve her attitude.
“It’s hard when you’re all fired up and just suddenly you have to stop. I was so mad on the rain break. My coach could barely talk to me so I’m going to try to improve my attitude,” she said. Venus Williams is playing in this tournament as an ideal preparatory ground for the Australian Open 2023. She will take on Lin Zhu of China in the second round of the tournament.
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Venus Williams received a wildcard entry for the Australian Open 2023
The seven-time Grand Slam champion has won almost every tournament in tennis except two -the Australian Open and the French Open singles titles. She though, has won both the Grand Slams’ doubles and mixed doubles events. She with Serena Williams achieved her career Grand Slam as a doubles pair. However, she is yet to win her career’s first Australian Open and French Open singles titles.
She is currently ranked No.1003 in the world. Hence, Australian Open organizers decided to hand her wildcard entry into the main draw.
“Venus is not just an incredible player and fan favourite, she’s a great role model and leader in our sport in so many ways. We are delighted to welcome her back to the AO in January,” Australian Open director Craig Tiley said. Meanwhile, Venus Williams is excited to be able to participate in the Australian Open. This will be her 22nd appearance at this major in her career.
“I’ve been competing in the country for over 20 years now and the Australian community has always supported me wholeheartedly. It will be an honour to play for the fans again and I’m looking forward to making more memories at the tournament this year,” she added further.
The 42-year-old is one of the most successful female tennis players in the world. She along with her younger sister Serena Williams defined the sport for many tennis fans. And even after so many years, she is still strong and ready to compete.
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Abhar Indorkar
(451 Articles Published)