Venus Williams, a five-time Wimbledon women’s singles champion in 2000, 2001, 2005, 2007, and 2008, made her return to the grass court but faced disappointment.
Competing at the Libema Open in the Netherlands, the 42-year-old former world number one, accompanied by her sister Serena in the audience, began strongly and claimed the first set. However, her opponent, 17-year-old Celine Naef, fought back and ultimately secured a victory with a 3-6, 7-6 (6-3), 6-2 scoreline.
Williams, who received a wildcard entry for the tournament, had not played competitively since the Auckland Open in January, where she reached the last 16 before being defeated by Zhu Lin from China. Her impressive career includes seven Grand Slam singles titles, with five triumphs at Wimbledon and two at the US Open.
Meanwhile, Nick Kyrgios, who reached the Wimbledon final last year but fell short against Novak Djokovic, returned to singles action after undergoing knee surgery. The Australian tennis player, aged 28, competed in the opening round of the Stuttgart Open in Germany against China’s Wu Yibing.
Unfortunately for Kyrgios, his comeback match ended in a 7-5, 6-3 defeat. Reflecting on his recovery from surgery, Kyrgios acknowledged the challenges he faced in returning to the court after a five-month hiatus. He expressed gratitude for being able to spend time with his family during the healing process and emphasized his excitement at being able to compete again.
With Wimbledon approaching on July 3rd, both Kyrgios and Williams will have their sights set on regaining their form and making a strong comeback in one of tennis’ most prestigious tournaments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about tennis comebacks
Question: How did Venus Williams perform in her return to grass-court action at the Libema Open?
Answer: In her return to grass-court action at the Libema Open, Venus Williams faced defeat against Celine Naef. Despite starting strongly and winning the first set, Williams couldn’t maintain her momentum, eventually losing the match 3-6, 7-6 (6-3), 6-2. It was her first competitive appearance since the Auckland Open in January, where she reached the last 16 before being eliminated by Zhu Lin.
More about tennis comebacks
- Wimbledon official website: Wimbledon
- Libema Open official website: Libema Open
- Stuttgart Open official website: Stuttgart Open
- Venus Williams’ profile on WTA official website: Venus Williams
- Nick Kyrgios’ profile on ATP official website: Nick Kyrgios
7 comments
venus has won wimbledon so many times, she’s a legend. too bad she couldn’t get a win in her first match back. and nick had to take a long break after surgery. it’s tough to come back strong after such a break. wishing them both better luck next time!
oh man, venus was doin so well in the first set but then she lost. so close! and nick had knee surgery and lost his match too. tough comebacks for both of them. hope they recover quickly and bounce back stronger!
V.Williams 5x wimbledon champ!! such a legend!! too bad she couldn’t keep up her winning streak in her comeback match. fingers crossed for her at wimbledon!
venus williams and nick kyrgios lost their comebacks?? omg what a bummer! hope they bounce back in time for wimbledon!!!!
kyrgios had a surgery? that’s rough! hope he’s back to full form soon. can’t wait to see him smash it at wimbledon!
can’t believe venus lost to a 17 yr old opponent. that’s gotta sting. and nick had serious surgery on his knee, but he’s back on the court now. hope they find their form in time for wimbledon. go, venus and nick!
venus and nick both lost on their comebacks? oh no! they must be so disapointed. hope they do beter next time! wimbledon is coming soon!