via Getty
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 08: Venus Williams of The United States of America celebrates after winning match point in her Women’s Singles first round match against Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium during day one of the 2021 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on February 08, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
via Getty
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 08: Venus Williams of The United States of America celebrates after winning match point in her Women’s Singles first round match against Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium during day one of the 2021 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on February 08, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
The final Grand Slam of the insane 2021 season is just around the corner. After a packed couple of months with the French Open, Wimbledon and the Olympic Games, players now shift their focus to New York for the US Open 2021. It will be a keenly contested tournament, as the US Open always promises to be. Recently, veteran Belgian Kirsten Flipkens provided a disappointing update. This however, has opened the door for 7-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams.
The former French Open doubles semifinalist is still not fit
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Earlier this year, Flipkens suffered an ankle injury that threw her in the deep end. After competing at the Australian Open, she was forced to take a break. Over the past few weeks, the Belgian was showing steady progress. She was out on the courts practicing, and was planning a dream return at Flushing Meadows. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be. After some long, hard consultations, the 35-year-old announced that she will need more time to recover fully. Her medical team advised her against a rushed comeback, meaning that ‘Flipper’ was forced to withdraw from the US Open.
WATCH THIS STORY: The Most Controversial Serena Williams US Open Match
In a recent address to her fans, Flipkens wrote,
“Dear all, I have been doubting a lot the last couple of days as I am back on court practicing and it feels good to be hitting again. But my body isn’t fully ready to compete matches just yet. My medical team advised me that it is just too soon to start competing again and that I need a few more weeks to be match fit. So therefore I decided to withdraw from the US Open. Thank you for your support and see you soon! – Flipper”— Kirsten Flipkens (@FlipperKF) August 23, 2021
Flipkens’ withdrawal gives green light to Venus Williams
Despite the news being very disheartening for the Belgian, her loss ended up being someone else’s gain. That certain someone turned out to be 41-year-old Venus Williams. Citing the Belgian’s withdrawal, the tournament gave the green light for the entry of Venus into the main draw. The elder Williams sibling was earlier awarded a wild card for the tournament. Next up on the list of potential entrants, is another Belgian Greet Minnen.
Update: Venus moves into the main draw with the withdrawal of Kirsten Flipkens.
Her main draw wild card will go to Alycia Parks.
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 23, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
This means that 2-time US Open winner Venus will compete at Flushing Meadows for a record 23rd time in her career. She will join a packed women’s draw this year. Though the draw may be difficult, the veteran will be hoping that the electric Arthur Ashe stadium treats her well this year.
via Getty
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 31: Venus Williams of the United States celebrates victory in her match against Arantxa Rus of the Netherlands during day one of the WTA 500 Yarra Valley Classic at Melbourne Park on January 31, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)
How far do you think Venus Williams can go at New York this year? Will she able to capitalize on her entry into the main draw? The American legend still has what it takes, but it will be interesting to see if she can get hold of another big title before she calls it a day on her illustrious career.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
READ MORE: Aryna Sabalenka Receives Huge Boost Ahead of US Open 2021
