The 43-year-old icon, known for her trailblazing contributions to the sport, found herself overpowered by her 26-year-old opponent, Minnen, who showcased an impressive display across the court. Remarkably, Minnen was born just a few weeks before Williams played her first-ever Grand Slam final at the US Open in 1997.
Williams, currently ranked 410th in the world due to a series of challenges, struggled to match Minnen’s dominance in all aspects of the match. Her performance was a far cry from her prime, marking the conclusion of a season riddled with setbacks, including injuries that disrupted her momentum.
Reflecting on her plans for the future, Williams expressed potential reconsideration of her usual decision to conclude her season after the US Open, especially in light of the unexpected turn of events this year.
“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,” Williams stated. “I was really getting good momentum into Wimbledon. That fall really kind of threw me for a loop for the summer.”
Despite contemplating her future on the court, Williams remained tight-lipped about when she might join her sister Serena in retirement, skillfully deflecting inquiries about her next career move.
As the veteran tennis star contemplates her next steps, she showered praise on her opponent Greet Minnen, acknowledging the Belgian’s extraordinary talent and potential to achieve great heights in women’s tennis. Williams marvelled at Minnen’s versatility and shot-making abilities, suggesting that if she maintains this level of play, she could potentially ascend to the top rankings or even claim a Grand Slam title.
(With inputs from AFP)
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