'Despicable': Venus Williams in 'disrespectful' Wimbledon outrage
Tennis royalty Venus Williams opened her Wimbledon campaign with a hard-fought win, but the manner in which is came had fans infuriated with the unfair treatment of the 41-year-old.
Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam winner, defeated Mihaela Buzărnescu 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 to advance at SW19.
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But the sight of Williams walking out on Court 3 at Wimbledon prompted calls of 'disrespect' for a former champion and great of the game.
Williams has won five Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon and has reached the final on nine occasions.
She last made the final in 2017.
However, it didn't stop Wimbledon placing Williams on Court 3, instead of a larger arena.
Williams was posed the question about her scheduling following her victory, but dismissed any gripe with officials and showed her class.
'I wasn't disappointed [about being on Court 3], but I appreciate you being disappointed for me," she said to a reporter.
Fans slam Venus Williams 'disrespect' at Wimbledon
But the tennis world wasn't ready to let the gripe go.
Many pointed out it would be unlikely Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic would be put on Court 3 at Wimbledon towards the tail end of their career.
In fact, at 39 years old, Federer just featured on Centre Court in his bizarre First Round victory.
Others blasted the 'disgusting' handling of the situation.
Yes, so how about showing this 5-time champion and 9-time finalist the same respect you show male players of similar achievements, i.e. putting her match on a show court instead of court 3? #Wimbledon #VenusWilliams https://t.co/cKtxcIh9S3
— The path has strayed from you (@saltformarrow) June 29, 2021
Wimbledon lowkey disrespected Venus Williams, a five-time champion & 2017 finalist, by putting her match on Court 3. True tennis fans know, that even when she's not in top form, Wimbledon is her bread and butter. Suits her game perfectly. And she's a joy to watch.
— The Intellectual (@Osiyemi_O) June 29, 2021
She is a 5 time champion, 4 time finalist at #Wimbledon and still she is playing at court no. 3? This would never happen to any ATP player with such great record. This is disrespect @Wimbledon . All the best #VenusWilliams for the upcoming rounds.
— Iftekhar Sheikh (@iftekharul_sk) June 29, 2021
@WTA Show Venus Williams respect. She should not play on Court 3. Roger, Rafa, Djork, will never get that disrespect! U R SHAMEFUL!
— Fannie Butler (Duo) (@FannieButler10) June 29, 2021
Everyone on Tennis Twitter giving Venus Williams her flowers after that win and dragging Wimbledon for placing her match on Court 3. Content 😎 #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/rnzNEcFpei
— Freyville💯 (@JnrFrey) June 29, 2021
Playing accomplished Venus Williams on Wimbledon Court 3 is disgusting and despicable. Venus was not shown any respect at all. Wimbledon owes Venus an apology now.
— mrbabs (@mrbabs36203495) June 30, 2021
A great point made by Chanda Rubin on Venus Williams being put on court 3. “Yes I understand Venus hasn’t won Wimbledon since 2008, however she is a 9 time #Wimbledon finalist, winning 5 of these. The fact is if this was Roger or Rafa they wouldn’t be on this court no matter rank
— Venus Williams Fandom (@QueenVee_Fandom) June 29, 2021
Tennis Podcast appeared to take a dig at the scheduling when asking why Williams was relegated to Court 3, when Alexander Zverev and Tallon Griekspoor were on Court 1.
It got a bit dicey towards the end, but Venus Williams is into the second round with a 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 win over Mihaela Buzarnescu.
Seems crazy that that match was relegated to No. 3 Court, but when you've got blockbusters like Zverev vs Griekspoor to showcase, what can you do 🙄— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) June 29, 2021
Regardless, of the furore, Williams was in high spirits after her victory and was even able to crack a joke during her ESPN interview.
Following the match, the question of Williams' longevity once again popped up.
Speaking to tennis great Chrissie Evert on ESPN, Williams was asked: "What's the key to your longevity?"
Having dealt with the same question time and time again, Williams decided a tongue-in-cheek response and even offered a glimpse into her love life. Click here to find out more.
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