Venus Williams has had quite an on-and-off season so far this year. Although she began the year by playing in the WTA 250 ASB Classic, Venus wasn’t able to participate in the Australian Open due to an injury. Subsequently, she made a comeback in the grass-court season but had a torrid time on the court. In the last month’s US Open too, she lost in the first round tamely against qualifier Greet Minnen. As Venus was set to make a comeback once again, a saddening update has left her plans in jeopardy.
The American legend hasn’t played a match since her opening-round defeat at the US Open. Let’s find out why Venus’ comeback efforts might take a hit.
Venus Williams’ doubles partner withdraws
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The 43-year-old was set to play in the WTA 250 Jasmin Open Monastir in Tunisia. She received a wildcard entry in the singles main draw. Further, Venus was also set to partner Ons Jabeur for the doubles competition. However, Jabeur has withdrawn at the last minute due to an unfortunate injury.
Talking about her withdrawal, Jabeur said, “Everyone, so sorry that I have to withdraw because my knee is not feeling so great and I would just want to say that I love my time here in Zhengzhou and hopefully I can come back next time. Thank you for the fans for cheering for me and hope to come back next year. Thank you.”
Unfortunately, after an amazing fight, @Ons_Jabeur is forced to withdraw due to a knee injury. 😔
Get well soon, Ons! We absolutely loved having you around! 🫶🏻❤️ pic.twitter.com/q9zrjSVUZt
— Zhengzhou Open (@ZhengzhouOpen) October 12, 2023
Last year, Serena Williams partnered with Ons Jabeur during her comeback tournament. Now, months later, Venus was also hoping to play with the Tunisian star but injury to Jabeur has spoilt her plans. Furthermore, there was utter confusion about Venus’ comeback ahead of the tournament.
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Confusion erupts on Venus’ comeback tournament
Days before the tournament, the Tunisian Tennis Federation announced the news of Venus’ participation. In a statement released by them, it read, The countdown has officially started for Jasmin Open in Monastir (250 points) from October 14 to 22, Ons Jabeur & Venus Williams will be with us.”
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Subsequently, in the official players’ list released by them, the names of Venus and Jabeur went missing, creating confusion about their participation. But with Jabeur down with injury, it is unlikely that she’ll play in the tournament. Meanwhile, Venus’ participation is also uncertain and the final decision on her participation will be known in some time. Can the American legend come back strongly in the upcoming tournaments? Let us know your views in the comments below.
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