Venus Williams criticised US Open organisers after suffering a record-breaking late-night defeat against fellow American Sofia Kenin.
The 46-year-old crashed out in the first round following a match that did not finish until around 2am local time, extending her losing run to 15 consecutive singles contests.
Read Also: Bank of America vice-president named as woman killed in Times Square stabbing
Williams came agonisingly close to forcing a deciding set but failed to convert seven set points as 2020 Australian Open champion Kenin secured a 6-2, 7-6 (8-6) victory.
The contest did not begin until 12.13am after Mariano Navone required five sets to defeat Novak Djokovic in the preceding match at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Read Also: Shabana Mahmood hands Cleveland Police £2million to help tackle Middlesbrough crimewave
Read Also: Battery storage cyber attack 'could cause national blackout' and £10bn in damage
It was the latest start to a match in US Open history, with barely 1,000 spectators remaining inside the venue when Kenin finally completed her victory.
Williams, who received a wildcard to compete at her home Grand Slam, made her frustration clear afterwards and questioned why tennis players are expected to perform at such an extraordinary hour.
“It’s not ideal,” the seven-time major singles champion said.
“I would have preferred something else definitely. I think it wasn’t great for either of us, so I think we both tried our best.
“I just don’t know any other sport where you have to start that late. I definitely think there’s room for improvement there.
“I just kept pushing myself to try to find my best tennis and to find my rhythm. It’s not easy to do in the first round. It’s not easy to do it at 1am or 2am in the morning.”
Williams initially struggled against the 27-year-old Kenin but became increasingly competitive during a closely fought second set.
The former world No 1 appeared poised to level the match when she established a commanding 6-2 advantage in the tie-break.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Scottie Scheffler makes feelings clear after breaking Tiger Woods money record at Tour Championship
- Novak Djokovic reveals ‘serious’ health issue after tearful US Open exit
- Moses Itauma breaks silence after being carried out on stretcher following Filip Hrgovic defeat
However, Williams lost the next six points as Kenin saved four further set points before closing out the contest.
The result intensified the debate surrounding the wildcards Williams continues to receive despite being ranked 618th in the world.
Her place at Flushing Meadows was already her 12th wildcard of the season, prompting questions over whether opportunities should instead be handed to younger players.
Grand Slam champions can receive an unlimited number of wildcards, while Williams’ status as one of the sport’s most recognisable figures continues to make her an attractive presence for tournament organisers.
Karl Hale, who offered the veteran entry into the WTA 1000 event in Toronto, believes tennis benefits from keeping its biggest names involved.
“I think it’s good for tennis to have these generational icons,” Hale said.
“That they are still allocating wildcards for them says something to their intrinsic value to the tournaments.”
Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash acknowledged Williams’ commercial appeal but questioned whether she should continue occupying places that could help emerging players.
“You need a draw card, a legend to come out and play in these smaller tournaments,” Cash said.
“The Grand Slams sit on their own. It’s up to Venus whether she thinks she’s good enough to play and play well enough.
“I personally don’t think she should be taking a wildcard away from a young player after she’s had a great career.”
Our Standards:
The GB News Editorial Charter
