Venus Williams bows out in first round of women’s singles at US Open
Venus Williams of the U.S., left, looks on as Serena Williams of the U.S., right, looks on during their women’s singles semifinal match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, Monday, July 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
NEW YORK (AP) — Venus Williams bowed out of the No. 1 seed’s match in the first round Monday without a title, even though Serena won 6-2, 6-3.
The 35-year-old Williams, who was bidding to become only the third woman in the Open era to hold both Grand Slams and the Olympics and was seeking to become only the second woman to accomplish that in this Open era, has been struggling with a knee injury. She won the U.S. Open in 2009. Williams was forced to withdraw from last year’s Australian Open because of a recurring knee injury.
“I’m disappointed,” Williams said, “but it was a hard-fought battle. I have to get healthy. I’m in a great place, mentally and physically.”
Williams has a chance to win her third title of the year on Monday, when she faces a young player who had not won a major title before. Jelena Jankovic of the United States is playing the worst match of her career against the 36-year-old Venus.
Jankovic took two breaks of serve in her semifinal match, and Williams had to hold serve to even things up. Both players have a chance to win, but Venus is more likely to. She’s won 20 of 22 matches in New York, including two titles, and is averaging only 19.5 points and 8.5 hits for the tournament.
“You always wish you have more chances,” said Williams, who last week became the first woman to break through the
