Venus Williams has predicted that US Open qualifier Greet Minnen can become WTA #1, after her convincing 6-1, 6-1 loss to the Belgian. It took Minnen only 1 hour and 15 min to defeat the WTA veteran who recorded her third R1 successive R1 defeat at the home major.
The 7-time GS Singles titlist lauded her #97 ranked opponent, “I have to give credit to my opponent. I mean, there wasn’t a shot she couldn’t make. Even when I hit really amazing shots, she just hit a winner or a dropshot.”
Williams continued, “I don’t think I played badly. I think it was just one of those days where it’s just unlucky. I really have to give credit to 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 like that, if she can play at this level.”
There were some concerns for the WTA #410 after she pulled out of the WTA 250 event in Cleveland last week with a knee injury, however she recovered quickly to thank her doctors for facilitating her to compete for the 24th time at Flushing Meadows.
“I was really happy to be here (at the US Open). When I had to withdraw from Cleveland, I wasn’t sure that I could be here,” explained Williams.
She continued, “I have to really thank my doctors for helping me to get here. That in itself was a blessing. I love playing here. I gave it my all. I played some great shots, but she had some incredible answers to that. I wish I could have been more prepared for that.”
The 43-year old was asked in press about how she feels about the remainder of calendar in terms of competing and the former #1 was wary about playing more tournaments this year.
“I typically haven’t really played after the US Open for a number of years now. I may reconsider that this year because my year didn’t go the way, in any way, shape or form, that I thought it would go,” revealed Williams.
“I was really getting good momentum into Wimbledon. That fall really kind of threw me for a loop for the summer. I don’t know. I might. But I don’t know what I’ll do this fall. Definitely too soon to say.”
Venus Williams in 2023
Venus Williams played only four matches in 2022 but opened 2023 season with an intent to compete at Australian Open but the plans fell through after she sustained a hamstring injury and remained on sidelines until the start of the grass swing in June. Since then, the former WTA #1 has recorded a win-loss record of 30% (3-7). Upon her return, Williams has not find quite the momentum and her best results are reaching the R2 at Auckland, Birmingham and Cincinnati.