American Peyton Stearns: As the world awaits the return of tennis icon Venus Williams, the 45-year-old believes she is still the same player and feels she will play well when she returns to the court after a 16-month gap at the Washington Open.Williams will have her first meeting with fellow American Peyton Stearns in the first round. This is Williams’ second appearance at the D.C. event, following a first-round loss in 2022.
“I definitely feel I’ll play well. I’m still the same player. I’m a big hitter. I hit big. This is my brand. So it’s about hitting big and actually putting it in. So, this will be my effort: put it in the court. That’s my main goal,” said Williams in a press conference.
She will also feature in the women’s doubles with her partner Hailey Baptiste. The 45-year-old Williams last contested a draw at Miami in March of 2024.
A seven-time grand slam winner – two US Open titles and five Wimbledon championships- Williams revealed how a trip to England for Wimbledon in June reignited the adrenaline in her and made her feel very excited for a possible comeback.
“When I went to Wimbledon this year, I was there for a day, and it was so beautiful and exciting. I remembered all the times that I had, and of course, the adrenaline, all those things. I think just the pure fun of playing the game, the fun of the challenge, overcoming — when you play, you overcome so many challenges: your opponents, the conditions, a lot of times you have to overcome yourself. Those things are very exciting,” she added.
“In this last year, I have been through a lot physically, as well. So to come back and be able to play and hopefully enjoy myself is a great opportunity, so I’m very grateful to the tournament for the wild card,” Williams concluded.
Article Source: IANS