It was not totally unexpected that Venus Williams, the once all-conquering queen of women tennis, would crash out early in the 2025 US Open Championship.
At 45 years of age, it would have been extraordinary if she went far into the championship. But like all humans, age has caught up with the first African-American woman in the Open era to achieve the No.1 ranking in the world.
On Tuesday, Day Three of the US Open, at the historic Arthur Ashe stadium, Venus Williams succumbed to the fire power of K. Muchova 3-6, 6-2, 1-6, to crash out in the first round.
The early exit of the 45 years old has left tennis lovers and sports pundits wondering if this was the beginning of the end of the illustrious career of one of the living legends of women tennis.
She may not have achieved as much as Margaret Court, who won 24 Grand Slam tournaments, nor Serena Williams, her sibling who won 23 Grand Slam titles, nor Steffi Graff who won 18, Venus Williams with her seven-time Grand Slam singles titles and 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, would be leaving an indelible mark, if she decides to call it quits after Tuesday’s first round defeat.
Venus Williams, a pioneer who reshaped women tennis and inspired a generation of African-American athletes also won four Olympic gold medals, achieved 49 career titles and over $42 million in career prize money, ranking her among the highest earners in women tennis.
It was in 1994, as a teenager, that she bust onto the professional scene with baseline play and exceptional athleticism which revolutionised women’s game, ushering in an era of strength and speed, which her younger sibling, Serena later adopted.
It would be recalled that in 2011, Venus Williams was diagnosed with Sjoogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that affects energy levels and joints. Despite this, she returned to top-level competition and reached the Wimbledon final in 2017 at the age of 37.
With her early ouster from the last Grand Slam of the year, it would not be a surprise if this would be the last competitive tennis tournament for the tennis star whose entrepreneurship as an author, and fashion icon are already blossoming. Only time will tell.
Celestine Ogolo
