TENNIS FRENCH OPEN 2014 – Venus Williams versus Belinda Bencic had the making of an epic matchup. However, in the end, Williams’ experience proved to be the better on the day with a 6-4 6-1 win to get to the 2nd round. Cordell Hackshaw
Interviews, Results, OOP, Draws from the 2014 Roland Garros
Venus Williams versus Belinda Bencic had the making of an epic matchup. The promising young Swiss was making her first appearance in the main draw at the French Open. Meanwhile, this was Williams’ 17th appearance. Venus is most definitely in the twilight of her career whereas Bencic’s is looking to be a future star of the game. Added to this, Bencic is the protégée of an old nemesis of Williams’, Martina Hingis who knows the Williams game very well. However, in the end, Williams’ experience proved to be the better on the day with a 6-4 6-1 win to get to the 2nd round. Williams bowed out in the 1st round here last year. She is now on her way to a possible 3rd round showdown between her and her lil sister, world’s number one Serena Williams.
As the norm, Williams was having trouble getting the first serve in (49% for the match) but when she did, it made her life very simple as she won 70% of those points. Bencic got the early break in the match by placing pressure on the Williams’ forehand. However, Bencic was unable to consolidate as VEnus broke back for 3-3. Williams then broke again and serve for the match 5-3. Bencic was able to save two set points and break to get back on serve. Williams was not to be denied the set as she quickly gave herself two more set points and converted on the 3rd one for 6-4.
It was lights out from then on. Venus applied the pressure on the youngster and was out front 4-0 before Bencic broke once again. Again, Bencic was unable to consolidate the break and Williams served for the match 5-1. She made no mistake this time around as she saved two break points and closed out the match up at net 6-4 6-1 in 77 minutes.
It is good to see Williams back on tour and winning. Despite being 33-year-old, there are many flashes of the Venus that was contending for majors in the early part of the 2000’s. Sjogren Syndrome has had a heavy hand in her “decline.” However, any avid tennis fan can see that Williams is making her life increasingly difficult for herself. She is constantly playing from the back of the court instead of coming forward and making her way to the net. She had 21 winners to 20 errors, many of this occurred being out of position miles behind the baseline. Bencic could hardly hurt Williams with her game, yet Williams was constantly putting herself in a defensive position instead of taking the offensive. She is dispelling unnecessary energies which should be on reserve for later rounds. Nonetheless, a win is a win and Williams is in the 2nd round of the 2014 French Open championships.
