At the age of 37, Venus Williams continues to defy the odds with a dramatic win over Kiki Bertens in the third round of the Miami Open.
Williams, who made her debut in the tournament back in 1997, saved a trio of match points to reach the last 16 of the tournament for the 15th time in her career. Coming back from a set down to win 5-7, 6-4, 7-5. The roller coaster performance saw the at times lacklustre eighth seed produced a total of 48 unforced errors to 26 winners. In comparison, Bertens’ impressive winner count of 53 was overshadowed by 60 mistakes made in the match.
“My opponent played well. I had a lot of chances, she had a lot of chances.” Williams said during her on-court interview. “It didn’t look good sometimes, but that is why you keep playing until the last point and that’s why I love this game.”
Initially it appeared as if the former champion would run away with the win. After only 20 minutes of play Williams blasted her way to a 5-0 lead. Things then started to unravel for the former world No.1, who appeared to be struggling with her form. An inspired Bertens comeback saw the Dutch player claim seven consecutive games to clinch the opening set.
Despite the blips, Williams’ fighting spirit got her back into the match. A double break midway through the second set was enough of a margin to allow her to take the match into a roller coaster decider.
Williams seemed destined for the chop as she once again dropped behind 1-4, moving her opponent two games away from the win. Nevertheless, she managed to claw her way back into the match to draw level, saving three match points on route. The resilience of Williams wore Bertens down both physically and mentally. Cramp started to hinder Bertens’ movement as the American broke once more to move ahead 6-5. Prompting delight among the crowd. The unlikely comeback was eventually sealed with the help of a forehand winner after almost three hours of play.
“I think she played better.” Williams said of her opponent. “I think I went for my shots a little bit too closely. I missed some points on set point that was very close and she played well. And then we were in a battle.”
It has been 16 years since Williams last won the title in Miami. A lot has changed for her over that period, but not the belief that she could win the tournament once again.
“It’s amazing, I love it here. I got my first big win in my career right here. I have a lot of great memories. I hope I can get another win this year, you never know.” She said.
Williams will take on reigning champion Johanna Konta next. A player who she lost to in the semifinals of the tournament last year.
