Venus Williams endured one other disappointing first spherical defeat on the Madrid Open, however a former Wimbledon winner has come to her defence
Venus Williams endured one other irritating early exit (Picture: Getty) This text incorporates affiliate hyperlinks, we’ll obtain a fee on any gross sales we generate from it. Be taught extra
Wimbledon winner Rennae Stubbs has leapt to the defence of Venus Williams. The seven-time Grand Slam champion got here below fireplace from tennis followers on social media after her early exit from the Madrid Open.
The 45-year-old American was handed one other wildcard for the clay courtroom competitors within the Spanish capital. She was not capable of make the most of it, shedding 6-2, 6-4 to Kaitlin Quevedo within the opening spherical of the competitors. Williams is but to win a singles match in 2026 and has not progressed previous the primary spherical of an occasion for the reason that 2025 Cincinnati Masters, when she overcame Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4. Her lack of type on the courtroom has prompted many followers to recommend she shouldn’t be given any extra wildcards within the sport.
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Many have claimed Williams is taking a spot which might go to a different younger participant, who might then use the wildcard to probably have a career-changing run in a match. Nonetheless, Stubbs, who boasts two Wimbledon doubles titles in 2001 and 2004, believes Williams has earned the proper to compete wherever she likes, offering a contest is pleased to offer her a wildcard.
Talking on social media, Stubbs wrote: “100% disagree. She’s earned the proper to play at any time when she desires, wherever she is requested & given that chance. Youthful gamers can play smaller occasions and earn their method on the tour if they’re ok. When you suppose one probability is making or breaking a participant, you dont get the tour.”
When requested by one other fan is she believes Williams ought to nonetheless be given wildcards, Stubbs replied: “Thats lower than me to determine, it is up the the match director, sponsors and Venus. You suppose she likes it? In some unspecified time in the future she’s going to retire and by no means play once more, till then, its as much as her and people who give it to her.”
Venus Williams commonly will get given wildcards into competitions (Picture: Getty)
After Williams misplaced to Francesca Jones on the Miami Open, former World No. 1 Yevgeny Kafelnikov advised the ‘Onerous Court docket’ podcast the previous World No. 1 shouldn’t be given any extra wildcards. He stated: “Have you ever learn Dmitry Tursunov’s telegram?
“After one other Venus Williams defeat, he stated, I’ve unbelievable respect for Venus Williams’ achievements. A number of Grand Slam singles champion, world primary, however it’s time.
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“The wildcard into the principle draw could be helpful for a lot of ladies. The identical method Maria Sharapova obtained one in her time. This wildcard might have been used extra productively, and I, in precept, fully agree with him.”
After her loss in Madrid, Williams stated she is not going to be competing in Rome, saying: “Yeah, I imply, to get my ft soiled, this was an important begin. I’m not capable of play Rome, I’ve different commitments, sadly, so I’m actually tremendous unhappy about that, really. My husband is Italian, so we really feel unhappy that we will’t be there. So we might like to hold it happening the clay”
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