Venus Williams turns back the clock at the US Open

Tennis icon Venus Williams turned back the clock on Monday as she stepped onto the court at the US Open at the age of 45, some 28 years after reaching her first final in the competition.  

The seven-times Grand Slam champion fell to a 6-3 2-6 6-1 defeat at the hands of the 11th seed, Karolina Muchova, becoming the oldest player to compete in the women’s singles at the tournament since 1981 and the third oldest in the history of the modern open.

Drawing last year’s semi-finalist in the first round was a tough ask for Williams, but after a hesitant start, she put up a spirited performance against an opponent 16 years her junior. Having won her first match for almost two years in July, Williams demonstrated why she is one of the all-time greats as she took the second set against Muchova 6-2.

Williams was in a buoyant but pensive mood in the post-match press conference, joking with reporters and fielding the inevitable questions about her future plans. She claimed that she didn’t want to travel too far to play in further tournaments this year, asking "Are there any tournaments in the States? Can someone move a tournament here?"

Williams also emphasised how important the support of the crowd had been, especially in the early stages pf the match.

I didn’t win today but I’m very proud of how I played…I don’t think I’ve ever had a crowd that much on my side. When I lost those first two games they were right there with me. It felt great.

Venus Williams

Whatever her plans, the place of her and sister Serena in the history of women’s tennis is secure. Whether as role models for young African-American girls or thanks to Venus’ campaign for equal prize money for women players, she remains an icon of the game. Let’s hope we get to see her in action again at least one more time.  

Watch Venus Williams post-match press conference here: