As Venus Williams gears up for the US Open 2023, fans will instantly be reminded of the emotional rollercoaster her sister, Serena Williams, took them on in 2022. Although Venus has been bullish about continuing her career after the 2023 season, most fans and pundits consider this to be her last outing in Flushing Meadows. One among them is a former tennis player, who has taken the example of Serena’s last run on the hard courts of NY to predict Venus’ US Open campaign.
While Serena’s last home Grand Slam was focused on celebrating a legend, the battle that awaits Venus is between her impressive history and how she has become somewhat of a shell of her glorious past self.
Venus Williams’ longevity hailed as comparisons with Serena Williams’ last year’s campaign emerge
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Julia Elbaba, a former tennis star herself, has cast her seasoned eye upon the enigmatic Venus Williams. The question on everyone’s lips: Does the 43-year-old still possess the prowess to go head-to-head with the sport’s rising batch of young, players? Elbaba’s answer gives us a little peek into the complex world of professional tennis.
“I want to eat whatever Venus is eating,” Elbaba humorously remarked, acknowledging Venus’ strong determination. Venus recently won against a top 20 player after four years, showing her enduring spirit.
However, Elbaba remains true to herself, acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead. “If we get a run from her, the same one that we had from Serena from last year to the third round, I’d be thrilled. Realistically Dex, we’d be a little bit lucky, just to see her win her first round at this point unfortunately,” she said according to the New York Post.
Elbaba believes that Venus might surprise everyone, just like her sister Serena did in the previous year’s tournament. The honesty in Elbaba’s assessment is refreshing, reflecting the inherent unpredictability of professional sports.
Speaking of Serena Williams’ glorious US Open ’22 run, the tennis world witnessed the conclusion of an era as Serena played her final match as a professional player, leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s history. In the post match interview, Serena Williams showed her feelings. She cried, saying they were “happy tears, I guess.” She thanked her family, giving a special mention to her parents and her sister Venus.
The legacy of the Williams sisters duo
As Serena Williams’ Vogue article announcing her retirement was released, a question arose in everyone’s mind: Would they play doubles together one last time at the 2022 U.S. Open?
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Inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, there was a shared understanding that this might be the last time the two sisters played together on the court. As the Czech duo of Lucie Hradecka and Linda Noskova gained the upper hand, any mistakes or missed opportunities by the Williams sisters were met with hushed words of encouragement from the audience. But this loss did not define the Williams Sisters’ legacy.
The Williams sisters’ remarkable 14-0 record in Grand Slam doubles finals is not just impressive, it’s unprecedented. Their flawless streak in Grand Slam finals is unparalleled across all categories: men’s and women’s singles, doubles, or mixed doubles, in both the Open Era and the entire history of tennis.
Moreover, the sisters have triumphed in their last eight major finals in succession, consistently securing victory in straight sets. This consistent excellence showcases their exceptional teamwork and unparalleled talent, a dynamic that has redefined doubles tennis.
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As the 2023 US Open continues, all eyes are on Venus Williams. Julia Elbaba’s insights provide a glimpse into the challenges and hopes that come with professional tennis. While Venus Williams’ impact on the tennis world might not be what it was back in the day, she still has a long way to go and a lot more to prove.
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