Venus Williams suffers brutal fate in tennis return: 'Tough to watch'
Venus Williams enjoyed a competitive return to singles tennis competition after nearly 12 months, but it didn't go to plan after suffering a meltdown in the third set at the Citi Open.
Williams hasn't played a singles match since she lost to Hsieh Su-Wei in the first round at the Chicago Women's Open nearly 12 months ago.
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Despite returning at the age of 42, Williams showed why she is a seven-time singles grand slam winner after taking the first set against Canadian Rebecca Marino.
However, Marino recovered in the second to level the contest as Williams' lack of singles match practice was evident.
Williams jumped out to an early 4-1 lead in the deciding set.
But, in what was described as a tough viewing to see Williams struggle, a growing number of double faults cost the 42-year-old as Marino ran out the winner 4-6, 6-1, 6-4.
Tough to watch … #VenusWilliams 😑🙁
— Sammy P (@samseles) August 2, 2022
Despite the loss, the tennis world was thrilled to see the tennis icon back on the court and playing competitive tennis.
With her sister Serena Williams watching on from the stands, fans were quick to praise Williams for her first singles match in a year.
Rebecca Marino comes back from 1-4 down in the 3rd to beat Venus Williams 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 in DC.
The 42yo, playing her first singles match of the year, showed a lot of good things but didn't take her chances in the decider (also a break point at 4-3...)— José Morgado (@josemorgado) August 2, 2022
And we agree. Despite the loss, the 42-year-old was "better than mindblowing."
Great to see you back and battling @Venuseswilliams https://t.co/NgOnctYwpa— TennisNow (@Tennis_Now) August 2, 2022
An unranked Venus Williams commanding an electric evening session in DC — at age 42.
What an icon @CitiOpen pic.twitter.com/6h2Zjts61G— Nick McCarvel (@NickMcCarvel) August 2, 2022
Rebecca Marino doing the classy thing and clapping for Venus Williams after she edged out the American in three sets.
Venus had a lead in the third but could not finish it off. pic.twitter.com/KBI21kDUmq— TennisNow (@Tennis_Now) August 2, 2022
Absolutely incredible that Venus Williams still has serious drive and passion for tennis. To be out here competing at age 42 after 28 years of being a professional tennis player is absolutely incredible. What a moment to cherish. Such a legend!
— Vansh (@vanshv2k) August 2, 2022
Venus Williams is out here looking sharp in a singles match in the year 2022 and I am here for it
— Gregg Rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) August 2, 2022
A HUGE win for @beccamarino90 over Venus Williams; 4-6, 6-1, 6-4
She is such a gracious winner & what a warrior on court! 🙌@CitiOpen | #CitiOpen pic.twitter.com/HEPo70cXJI— TennisONE (@TennisONEApp) August 2, 2022
a smile even in defeat🥲 venus williams you will always be famous🫶🏾
— nabald | 22💜 (@andys_murray) August 2, 2022
Let's go @Venuseswilliams #CitiOpen pic.twitter.com/A7NvP7mg0X
— AlexisOhanian7️⃣7️⃣6️⃣ (@alexisohanian) August 2, 2022
Serena and Venus Williams make US Open push
Before her return to competitive singles competition, Venus and Serena Williams surprised the tennis world when the duo garnered a packed crowd at a surprise practice session.
Williams, who is not playing at the Washington DC event, arrived early in the morning and was greeted by a huge crowd gathering after word got out the 23-time grand slam champ had made an appearance.
While unexpected, since Serena isn't making her return until the National Bank Open in Toronto, fans were greeted with another teat as Venus took to the court with her sister.
Venus Williams will also compete in Toronto for the first time since 2019.
Serena is also making a push for a record breaking 24th grand slam title at the US Open after announcing a packed schedule.
Serena will play in Toronto and also take part in the Cincinnati Open the following week.
It will be the first time since 2015 that Serena will play both events - a clear sign that she'll be playing at the US Open at the end of August.
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