Venus Williams is back in action again this week, set to appear in her second tournament in as many months after just starring in Washington.
Next up for her is the Cincinnati Open, having been gifted a wild card based on the remarkable legacy she has forged for American tennis.
Alongside her sister, Serena, these two dominated the women’s game for years, both on the singles and doubles circuits. As such, they have a right to remain active for as long as they like, and also to gain entry into any tournament on the tour.
Despite being 42 years old, she remains fit, healthy and technically outstanding, and proved her worth in Washington.
She will now hope to do the same in Cincinnati.
Venus Williams is back in action at Cincinnati Open after her wild card
Alas, there has been some pushback from a bitter few who claim that, due to her age, she should not have been granted entry into such prestigious competitions.
Barry Cowan, speaking exclusively to Tennishead, has instantly dismissed that notion.
Speaking just before her fairytale comeback had begun in Washington, the former British tennis star stated: “Yeah, I think it’s amazing. And I have always been a believer that I don’t think it’s up for anyone else to say to a champion what they should and shouldn’t do. If she wants a wild card, she gets a wild card, in my opinion. As long as she’s competitive.
“Obviously, you know, if she’s turning up at Washington and she’s losing love and love, and she’s way off the pace, then that’s a different story altogether. But she’s shown that she isn’t way off the pace, so, you know, in my mind, if she wants to play, she should almost be entitled to as many wild cards as she wants.
“That’s the way I see it. I don’t see it as she’s taking a place away from someone else. I mean, it’s exactly the same with Murray [when he retired].”
Venus Williams delivered a fitness update after Washington, which should only further justify her inclusion in Cincinnati’s draw.
Venus Williams proved that she’s still got it in Washington
Despite her legendary status and how impressive she once was, the tennis world expected little from
Venus Williams’ comeback.
After all, it had been well over a year since she had last played a professional match, which she lost to Nao Hibino.
With that as the only recent memory, and given that she was not getting any younger, a first-round exit in both the singles and doubles was to be expected.
Had that happened, it would not have detracted from her inclusion, as she packed the stands wherever she played.
She began her conquest in the doubles, teaming up with Hailey Baptiste to win their opening match against Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue.
Alas, they would lose to eventual champions Zhang Shuai and Taylor Townsend in a hard-fought clash.
But, it was what she accomplished in the singles that really caught the eye, beating Peyton Stearns, a well-respected compatriot who is 12 years her junior.
If she could do the same in Cincinnati and win just one more match, it would only solidify her remarkable and ever-expanding legacy.
