Lure of Wimbledon grass courts too much for Venus to resist
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 [July 02, 2022]
LONDON (Reuters) - The sight of
the All England Club's manicured lawns proved irresistible for Venus
Williams as the multiple Grand Slam champion made an unexpected -
and winning - return after almost a year off court to play at
Wimbledon on Friday.
The 42-year-old American, inspired by the sight of younger sister
Serena earlier in the week, stepped back onto the court alongside
Jamie Murray in the mixed doubles thanks to a wildcard entry and
promptly booked a spot in the second round.
"I had no plan to play. I saw the grass and I got excited," Williams
said after she and her British partner secured a 6-3 6-7(7) 6-3 win
over Alicja Rosolska and Michael Venus.
"I was at the French Open, it's a beautiful event, but my heart
didn't beat the same way. Not that I could play but ... I had no
plans. That's why I was asking (Murray) last minute."
Murray is a two-time winner of the mixed doubles event at Wimbledon,
but this is a title Williams has never claimed in her storied
career.
In addition to her seven singles grand slam titles, Williams has won
all four grand slam doubles titles - including six at Wimbledon -
and the mixed doubles at the Australian and French Opens.
"It's one of the only ones I haven't won, so I usually put a little
more priority here," she said.
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Britain's Jamie Murray and Venus Williams of the U.S. during their
first round mixed doubles match against Australia's Michael Venus
and Poland's Alicja Rosolska REUTERS/Matthew Childs
"It was definitely super last minute. Just inspired
by Serena. Like I said, it was amazing. I just was so happy to have
so much help today."
Williams was playing for the first time since losing to Su-wei Hsieh
in the first round of the Chicago Women's Open last August and
recently posted training footage online.
But she remained coy about her plans beyond Wimbledon.
"You never know where I'll pop up," she said.
(Reporting by Michael Church in Hong Kong, Editing by Kenneth
Maxwell)
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