NEW YORK –Â Venus Williams confirmed flashes of classic type underneath the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday however regardless of pushing Karolina Muchova to a deciding set the 45-year-old American fell 6-3 2-6 6-1 in an exhilarating US Open first-round battle.
The seven-times Grand Slam champion was making a record-extending twenty fifth predominant draw look in New York, the place she gained the title in 2000 and 2001, and delivered a spirited efficiency earlier than a packed and partisan crowd.
“I used to be burdened,” Muchova mentioned in her on-court interview. “You guys make me burdened, it was an unbelievable ambiance. She’s such a legend so it is good to share the court docket together with her. I am so completely satisfied I used to be capable of win at present.
“I simply tried to dam the noise, and be centered on myself.”
Muchova took the opening set with a pair of well-timed breaks however Williams responded effectively, utilizing sharp web play and highly effective groundstrokes to interrupt early within the second earlier than a blistering backhand winner earned her a double break and a 5-2 lead.
She wanted three set factors however lastly clinched the set when Muchova despatched a forehand lengthy, marking her first set gained at Flushing Meadows since 2020.
However the Czech, a US Open semi-finalist in every of the final two years, hit again exhausting within the decider as Williams’ power light, racing by means of the set to seal victory and finish the American’s newest comeback bid in two hours.
Williams, whose final US Open look led to a 6-1 6-1 defeat by Greet Minnen in 2023, loved thunderous applause with each level she gained and left the court docket to a heat ovation from followers.
—Reuters
