Venus Williams crushed by Swiss teenager Celine Naef in 1st match since January hamstring damage

Venus Williams walks on courtroom to compete for the primary time in 5 months.

Packed home for this legend. Listen to that crowd

As lengthy as she performs, we’ll watch ❤️
pic.twitter.com/96UMJdrkN1

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 13, 2023

“Amazing. I cannot believe I had the chance to play against Venus,” the Swiss teenager stated on courtroom after her victory. “She’s an amazing player and really a role model for everyone.” Williams, now ranked No. 696, was put below strain by Naef within the seventh sport of the primary set however served strongly to save lots of two break factors and take a 4-3 lead. Williams then broke Naef to like to take a 5-3 and served a love sport as she reeled off 12 straight factors.

Wimbledon, the British grass-court main which Williams has gained 5 instances, opens on July 3. Williams’ final singles main title was at Wimbledon in 2008.

Williams injured her hamstring in January in Auckland. She broke first within the second set however Naef fought again to pressure the tiebreaker and dominated the deciding set.