Venus Williams criticises US Open after late-night exit
Venus Williams has expressed her dissatisfaction with US Open organisers following her record-breaking late-night defeat against fellow American Sofia Kenin. The 46-year-old exited in the first round after a match that concluded around 2am local time, marking her 15th consecutive loss in singles competition, reports BritPanorama.
Williams came close to forcing a deciding set but failed to convert seven set points as Kenin clinched a 6-2, 7-6 (8-6) victory. The match began at 12.13am after Mariano Navone’s five-set match against Novak Djokovic extended the proceedings at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
This latest match start is the latest in US Open history, with only about 1,000 spectators remaining in the arena when Kenin finally secured her win. Williams voiced her frustration, questioning the necessity for players to perform at such a late hour. “It’s not ideal,” the seven-time major singles champion stated. “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.”
Williams further highlighted the unusual nature of the scheduling, stating, “I just don’t know any other sport where you have to start that late. I definitely think there’s room for improvement there.” As she struggled initially against Kenin, she became more competitive in the second set, even taking a significant lead in the tie-break before ultimately losing her momentum.
The result has intensified the conversation regarding the wildcards Williams continues to receive despite her ranking of 618th in the world. This was her 12th wildcard of the season, prompting discussions about whether younger players ought to be afforded similar opportunities. Grand Slam champions hold the privilege of unlimited wildcards, and Williams’ status as an enduring figure in tennis keeps her in high demand for tournament organisers.
Karl Hale, who previously provided Williams entry into the WTA 1000 event in Toronto, noted the importance of having prominent figures in the sport. “I think it’s good for tennis to have these generational icons,” Hale remarked. “That they are still allocating wildcards for them says something to their intrinsic value to the tournaments.”
Conversely, former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash acknowledged Williams’ commercial significance but argued that her presence could hinder younger competitors. “You need a draw card, a legend to come out and play in these smaller tournaments,” Cash noted, before adding, “I personally don’t think she should be taking a wildcard away from a young player after she’s had a great career.”
In a sport defined by youthful stamina and competition, the ongoing debate about Williams and her wildcards underscores a broader tension surrounding the balance between legacy and opportunity in tennis. The lines between sporting tradition and emerging talent continue to blur, shaping a narrative that remains as compelling as the game itself.
