Former world No.1 Venus Williams says she needed to ‘start faster than she did’ after getting knocked out in the first round of the US Open on Tuesday evening.
The 40-year-old Tour ventral fell 6-3, 7-5, to Czech 20th seed Karolína Muchová who is currently ranked 41 places above her. It is the first time Williams has lost her opening match in Flushing Meadows in 22 appearances. Despite winning more than 50% of her service points, the American was broken in three out of her first four service games. Then in the second set whilst leading 5-4, Muchova broke a further two times to seal victory in what was their first ever meeting.
“It’s been a really fast-paced summer. Just having to start very quickly in every tournament with really kind of no room to breathe or adjust during the tournament. That’s been a little bit tough,” said Williams who hit 18 winners to 34 unforced errors.
“To be honest, I’m really happy with my game. I don’t think I played badly tonight. I just needed to start faster than what I did. I’m pretty happy with how I played. She just played a little better.”
It is the 11th consecutive tournament where the five-time Grand Slam champion has failed to win back-to-back matches. Despite the lull is her results, Williams isn’t done playing yet after working on areas of her game during the summer. She made her Grand Slam debut 23 years ago and has so far played in a record 86 main draws.
“I love this game. I’m good at what I do. It’s easy to stay motivated and excited about doing something so amazing,” she said.
“Not many people get to do this. I’m really fortunate and blessed to be someone who has gotten a chance to do it.”
The loss occurred on the same day her sister Serena made history at the event. The third seed defeated Kristie Ahn in straight sets to record her 102nd win in New york to make her the most successful player at the event in history.
Williams’ focus will now switch to the clay with the French Open getting underway later this month as part of the restructure calendar due to COVID-19. Although she is first going to rest after going through what she describes as a ‘lot of work’ leading up to New York.
“It’s going to be another quick transition, as well. But I look forward to a few days off. It’s been a lot of work. Looking forward to just having a little bit of a rest before the clay courts,” she outlined.
As for Muchova she will play Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya in the second round on Thursday.
