The premature goodbye of a legend
Venus Williams couldn’t match Diane Parry’s youth and energy. The Frenchwoman, world number 111, won 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-1 in the first round of the BNP Paribas Open.
At 45 years old, Venus fought. He reacted to win the second set and force a tiebreaker. But the third set was another story. Parry, only 23 years old, took control and closed the match with authority.
This is Williams’ eighth straight loss on the WTA circuit. He arrived at Indian Wells with a special invitation, both for singles and doubles.
“I am very excited to return to Indian Wells and I can’t wait to return home and play in California,”
Venus said last month about her return to the tournament.
But the reality inside the quarry was harsh. His only victory since returning to the circuit was last year in Washington. In January, he also lost in the first round of the Australian Open, both in singles and in pairs.
There she made history as the oldest woman to compete in the main draw, surpassing a record held by Kimiko Date. The passion is still there, that is undeniable. But the results… the results are what they are.
His last appearance was a month ago in Austin, Texas. Also by invitation. Also with early defeat. The question we’re all asking is how much longer we’ll be able to see her compete at this level.
What we do know is this: every time Venus Williams steps into a quarry, we are seeing a born competitor. An athlete who loves this game as much as we love watching her play it.
