Disappointment for veteran Venus Williams as she crashes out of US Open, Aryna Sabalenka advances
- Planet Sport writer
- 30 August 2023
Playing in her 24th US Open, Venus Williams' 2023 campaign was brought to an abrupt end inside Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday night.
The two-time winner - handed a wild card at the age of 43 - was beaten 6-1 6-1 in the first round by Belgian Greet Minnen.
The American said: "I have to give credit to my opponent, there wasn't a shot she couldn't make.
"I don't think I played badly, it was just one of those days where I was unlucky. I was really happy to be here. I love playing here and I really gave it my all today."
Meanwhile, world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka ended the retirement party of Maryna Zanevska on Tuesday night inside Louis Armstrong Stadium. Sabalenka prevailed 6-3, 6-2 in their first-round US Open match to conclude the Belgian's career.
"I think she played an unbelievable match and fought until the end. I'm just really happy with the win," said Sabalenka in her on-court interview.
"No matter what, I was able to focus on myself and not the score. Hopefully, I'll be able to do better with every match."
The match opened with four consecutive breaks of serve as Sabalenka coughed up numerous double faults. But once she got her service toss under control, the world No. 2 also took control of the baseline rallies. Sabalenka moved her opponent around the court with ease, securing a third consecutive break at 3-2 before crushing a forehand winner three games later to wrap up the opening set.
Zanevska refused to bow out quietly, though. Charming the crowd with her positive attitude and frequent smiles after winning shots, Zanevska secured an early break to lead in the second set after Sabalenka missed an overhead smash. The No. 2 seed regrouped by immediately breaking her opponent in the next game and quickly regained control.
Sabalenka swept the last six games of the match, finishing with a big first serve to close out the contest after one hour and 17 minutes. She finished the night with 27 winners to 23 errors.
Elsewhere, Wimbledon runner-up Ons Jabeur had to overcome breathing difficulties to battle past Columbia's Camila Osorio.
The Tunisian had her blood pressure checked at one point before securing a 7-5 7-6 (4) victory.
France's Caroline Garcia, seeded seven, suffered a shock exit, 6-4 6-1, to world number 114 Wang Yafan of China.
Canadian Laylah Fernandez, the runner-up to Emma Raducanu two years ago, lost in three sets to Ekaterina Alexandrova.
