|
The Belgian smacked 24 winners and saved all
six break points she faced to dispatch the veteran American, who
she reveres.
"In 1997, Venus already played a final here and I was just born,
so for me it was incredible to play a legend like her," the
26-year-old Minnen said in an on-court interview.
"I have huge respect for her."
Former world number one Williams' best chance of climbing back
into the contest came when she had a break point opportunity in
the opening game of the second set but she failed to convert.
The hard-hitting Minnen would break the next game at love and
cruise to victory in the match that lasted just 75 minutes.
"First I have to give credit to my opponent," Williams told
reporters.
"There wasn't a shot she couldn't make. Even when I hit really
amazing shots, she just hit a winner or a dropshot, so I don't
think I played badly. I think it was just one of those days
where it's just unlucky."
Seven-time Grand Slam winner Williams, whose younger sister
Serena retired after last year's U.S. Open with 23 major titles
to her name, said she was prepared to come to Flushing Meadows
without her sibling playing.
"I was very much aware that Serena wouldn't be playing the
tournament, so I think I was okay. I've had a chance to get used
to that idea even before she retired," she said.
"I kind of knew that was coming."
Asked when she might hang up her racket, Williams was
non-committal.
"I wouldn't tell you," she said with a smile.
"I don't know. I don't know why you're asking."
(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Editing by
Muralikumar Anantharaman)
[© 2023 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content. |
|
