Fans fear farewell as Venus Williams crashes out of US Open

Tennis legend Venus Williams may have played her last US Open match, but if it truly was her farewell, she left with her head high.

The 45-year-old American, once feared for her power and dominance, rolled back the years in a spirited first-round clash against Czech 11th seed Karolina Muchova. Williams eventually bowed out 6-3, 2-6, 6-1, but not without reminding the Arthur Ashe crowd why she remains one of the sport’s most respected figures.

At the post-match press conference, emotions got the better of the seven-time Grand Slam champion as she reflected on her journey back to the courts after battling serious health issues.

“Getting back on the court was about giving myself a chance to play more healthy,” she said, before choking up in tears and cutting the interview short.

Williams has been playing with Sjogren’s syndrome, an incurable autoimmune disease, since 2011, and only recently opened up about the painful fibroids that almost forced her into retirement.

Against Muchova, however, she showed glimpses of the old Venus. After a slow start, she fought back with clean hitting and a powerful service game that had the New York crowd roaring in delight.

Though she faded in the final set, which is understandable for someone who had played just four matches in 18 month, Williams proved that class never fades.

Her wildcard entry for a record 25th US Open appearance had been criticised by some as blocking younger players. But her performance silenced the doubters, with fans turning up in droves, sensing this might be their last chance to see her on the big stage.

“I’ve been a fan since Venus and Serena started,” said 79-year-old Dorothy Blagmon, who travelled from Atlanta for the match. “I might never see her again — not because she won’t come back, but because of my age.”

For many in the stands, Williams’ presence was more than just nostalgia. She is remembered as the trailblazer who used her height and power to change women’s tennis forever, inspired her sister Serena’s greatness, and fought fiercely for equal prize money.

Yet, true to form, Venus kept the world guessing about her future. “Are there any tournaments in the States? Can someone move a tournament here?” she joked. “I love playing. But my goal is to do what I want to do.”