Venus Williams fought back tears during an emotional press conference after her US Open first-round defeat, uncertain whether the tennis legend will ever return to the tournament. The 45-year-old lost 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 to Czech 11th seed Karolina Muchova on Monday night, extending her record to 25 US Open appearances.
Williams became visibly upset when reflecting on her health journey, her final answer tailing off before the interview was cut short following a long silence. "Getting back on the court was about giving myself a chance to play more healthy," she said. "When you play unhealthy, it's in your mind. It's not just how you feel. You get stuck in your mind too. So it was nice to be freer."
Health battle drives comeback
The seven-time Grand Slam champion was diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome in 2011, an incurable autoimmune disease causing pain, numbness and fatigue. Last month, she revealed the severity of painful uterine fibroids that had affected her performance.
Williams remembered feeling "uncomfortable" against the same opponent at the 2020 US Open. "I wasn't well. I was in so much pain. Today it's night and day how much better I felt," she said. "I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to play feeling better."
Earlier this season, Williams was officially considered inactive after going a whole year without competing. Her surprise return came at the Washington Open, where she defeated 35th-ranked Peyton Stearns before receiving a wildcard for the US Open.
Impressive performance silences doubters
Williams answered critics who questioned whether a veteran with one victory in more than two years deserved a place in the 128-woman draw. After winning only two of the opening 13 points, she dramatically improved her serving from 48 per cent in the first set to 76 per cent in the second.
The ball-striking was as clean and crisp as it had been for a long time, though Williams faded in the deciding set after playing only four matches in 18 months. Her fiancé Andrea Preti provided vocal courtside support, shouting "Forza!" during key moments.
When asked about future tournaments, Williams remained evasive. "I love playing. But my goal is to do what I want to do," she said, questioning whether she was willing to travel far at this stage of her career.
Fans treasure final glimpse
Dorothy Blagmon, 79, travelled from Atlanta specifically to see Williams play, fearing it might be her last chance. "I've been a fan since Venus and Serena started playing tennis," she said. "I might never get to see her again - not down to her not coming back but down to myself not being able to come here."
Williams became a role model for millions after changing the face of tennis with her aggressive, first-strike style. Chanese Allen, 32, from Manhattan, said: "Venus is super-iconic. I grew up watching her and have been playing since I was seven - when I saw her on the TV screens. It was amazing to see somebody I could relate to."
The tennis legend also led the fight for equal prize money and inspired fans by prolonging her career despite serious health problems. Williams was the oldest player to compete in women's singles since Renee Richards in 1981, with Maria Sharapova among celebrity attendees highlighting the significance of her appearance.
Sources used: "BBC", "Daily Mail", "Independent", "Guardian", "Telegraph"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
