Venus Williams' US Open First Round Loss: Most Lopsided Defeat 6-1, 6-1 - Sports

Venus Williams suffers a lopsided loss in her 100th U.S. Open match, marking her third consecutive opening-round loss.

In a surprising turn of events, Venus Williams experienced her most overwhelming defeat at the U.S. Open, marking her 100th career match in the tournament where she previously clinched the trophy in 2000 and 2001. The 43-year-old, who holds the title of the oldest player in the field, was knocked out in the first round by Belgian qualifier Greet Minnen, with a score of 6-1, 6-1, on a humid evening at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Throughout her previous 21 appearances at the U.S. Open, Williams had always emerged victorious in the first round. However, this year marked her third consecutive opening-round loss at Flushing Meadows. It is worth noting that Minnen, who is currently ranked 97th and had a career record of 4-12 in Grand Slam matches prior to this encounter, was born in August 1997, just a month before Williams reached her first U.S. Open final.

Minnen expressed her admiration for the tennis legend, stating, "For me, it was incredible to play a legend like her. I have huge respect. To be there at 43 years old, it's amazing really." Williams, who boasts seven major championships, including five Wimbledon titles, has faced early exits in her last 12 Slam appearances, either in the first or second round.

Despite the disappointing loss, the spectators in attendance were thrilled to witness Williams' presence on the court and gave her a standing ovation as she made her way to the locker room. Williams graciously acknowledged the crowd with a wave and a smile, her red racket bag slung over her left shoulder.

The weather conditions during the match were relatively mild, with temperatures in the low 70s Fahrenheit (20s Celsius). However, the humidity was at a staggering 90%, which seemed to affect Williams' ability to engage in extended rallies with Minnen. The Belgian player quickly took a commanding 3-0 lead, breaking Williams' serve twice in the process. Williams struggled with her second serves, losing each of her first six points in that category.

Minnen employed a strategic approach to keep Williams off balance, utilizing drop shots effectively, which she admitted was not her usual playing style. As the match neared its conclusion, Minnen experienced some nerves while trying to close out the victory against one of the sport's greats. She confessed, "My heart was beating really, really fast."

In conclusion, Venus Williams' milestone 100th U.S. Open match ended in a resounding defeat, highlighting her recent struggles in Grand Slam tournaments. Despite the loss, her presence on the court continues to captivate fans, who showed their appreciation with a standing ovation. Greet Minnen, the Belgian qualifier, executed a well-thought-out game plan to secure the win, leaving a lasting impression on both Williams and the spectators.

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